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Massachusetts in the Rebellion. 



A RECORD 



OF THE 



Mmnl position of tlje dtommoitbealtj), 



THE SERVICES OF THE LEADING STATESMEN, THE MILITARY, 
THE COLLEGES, AND THE PEOPLE, 



CIYIL WAR OF 1861-65. 



^,-^ 



^ P. C. HEADLEY, 

AUTHOR OF "JOSEPHINE," E T C, E 




BOSTON: 
WALKER, FULLER, AND COMPANY 

186 6. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the j'ear 1860, by 

P. C, HEADLEY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts 






Stereotyped and Printed by Geo. C. Rand & Aveey. 



Wit 

The People of Massachusetts, 

WHOSE 

CIVIL OFFICERS AND MILITARY HEROES 

WORTHILY REPRESENTED THEIR 
IN 

THE LATE NATIONAL CONFLICT, 

ARE INSCRIBED BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



The historical position of Massachusetts, from her colo- 
nial days until now, is alone a sufficient reason for under- 
taking this work, offered to the public as a record of the 
part borne by the State in the suppression of the Great 
Rebellion. 

There is another consideration, of some importance, 
wdiich was not overlooked. It must be from local records 
of the popular support of the General Government in the 
contest, mainly, that the future historian will gather his 
materials for authentic and complete annals of the conflict. 
While the author is not a son of Massachusetts, but of 
New York, he confesses to an enthusiastic admiration of 
the Bay State and of New England, strengthened by 
domestic ties whose genealogical lines run back to the 
'•Mayflower." He cannot be accused of the effort to 
parade the virtues and extol the deeds of the people of 
his native State ; a consideration which may entitle him 
to some confidence in the impartiality and truthfulness of 
design in preparing a narrative necessarily incomplete in 
many of its details. 

To secure authentic materials, the request has been 
made, through the press and by correspondence, for in- 
formation from officers and others upon the topics pre- 
sented in these pages. In regard to the regiments and 
public men not heard from through officers and friends, 
the author was compelled to depend wholly upon the able 
reports of the Adjutant-General of the State, and such 



vi PREFACE. 

reliable fragments as were found in books or in the peri- 
odical press. 

This statement will explain, for the most part, the rea- 
son why the regimental histories differ much in length. 

Where a narrative has been furnished by a competent 
hand, he has not felt at liberty very materially to alter 
it, excepting personal sketches, whose condensation, with 
that of other contributions to the work, was demanded by 
the Hmited space and accumulating material, which, as it 
has come to him, has been impartially used. 

Unpleasant incidents in official relations and army ex- 
periences have not been introduced to any extent, be- 
cause it was no part of the design of this volume to 
discuss questions of demerit and incapacity, but to give 
the record of substantial service and honorable achieve- 
ment. 

It was desired, and the effort accordingly made, to have 
portraits of all the general officers of Massachusetts ; but 
it was only partially successful. 

The author was indebted for valuable aid, during absence 
from the State, to Samuel Burnham, Esq., who prepared 
the chapter on the poets in the war ; to Chaplain Quint for 
the sketch of the Second Regiment, and a statement of 
the position of the churches and clergy in the war ; to 
Rev. F. Hendricks of Philadelphia, Penn., who condensed 
several of the regimental histories from the Adjutant- 
General's reports ; to Gov. Andrew, Gen. Schouler, and 
his efficient clerk, Mr. Wilson, Senator Wilson and Rep- 
resentative Rice, Assistant Secretary Fox, of the Navy 
Department, and Mr. Saxton, chief clerk, for valuable 
documents and statements ; and to Count L. B. Schwabe 
for pen and pencil portraits of fallen heroes, from his na- 
tional gallery, and many facts from his remarkable know- 
ledge of the war-record of the State. For the sake of 
uniformity, extracts from official reports, where the au- 
thorship was not known, have nothing to mark them as 
quotations. 



PREFACE. Vll 

It is proper to state, that the selection of portraits of 
fallen heroes was governed by no personal partialities, 
but by circumstances beyond the author's control ; and 
was designed to represent different parts of the Com- 
monwealth. 

Errors doubtless will be discovered by the reader ; and 
these, it is hoped, will be communicated to the author 
through the publishers, for correction in future editions, so 
fiir as practicable. 

The publishers have clearly done their part to make 
the volume acceptable to the people ; and it is committed 
to them in the hope that it wdll be. 

p. c. H. 

Boston, August, 1866. 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 

HISTORICAL POSITION OF THE COMMONWEALTH AT THE COM- 
MENCEMENT OF THE CIVIL CONFLICT. 

CHAPTER I. 

ACC0U:NT of the EAKLY history of MASSACHUSETTS .... 1 

CHAPTER 11. 

MASSACHUSETTS STATESMEN IN THE REBELLION 17 

CHAPTER ni. 

SENATORS SUMNER AND WILSON. — HON. EDWARD EVERETT ... 29 

CHAPTER IV. 

MASSACHUSETTS REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS 64 

CHAPTER V. 

MASSACHUSETTS ABROAD 80 



PART II. 

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE FIELD. 
CHAPTER I. 

THE STATE PREPARES FOR WAR 87 

CHAPTER 11. 

THE THREE-MONTHS' REGIMENTS 106 

CHAPTER III. 

THE MARCH OF THE EIGHTH.— THE MARTYRS 126 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE HEROIC DEAD, — THE MILITARY MOVEMENT 133 

is 



X 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE THREE-YEARS' REGIMENTS. -FmST AND SECOND REGIMENTS . 144 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE NINE-MONTHS' REGIMENTS.— THIRD, FOURTH, SIXTH, AND EIGHTH 

REGIMENTS ^^'^ 

CHAPTER VII. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT 1®3 

CHAPTER VIII. 

NINTH AND TENTH REGIMENTS 198 

CH'APTER IX. 

ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH REGIMENTS 208 

CHAPTER X. 

THIRTEENTH, FOURTEENTH, AND FIFTEENTH REGIMENTS .... 219 

CHAPTER XL 

SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH REGIMENTS 237 

CHAPTER XII. 

EIGHTEENTH AND NINETEENTH REGIMENTS . . . . . . .247 

CHAPTER Xin. 

TWENTIETH AND TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENTS 269 

CHAPTER XIV. 

TWENTY- SECOND, TWENTY-THIRD, AND TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENTS . 285 

CHAPTER XV. 

TWENTY-FIFTH, TWENTY- SIXTH, AND TWENTY- SE\T;NTH REGIMENTS . 3(H 

CHAPTER XVI. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH AJST> TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENTS 320 

CHAPTER XVII. 

THIRTIETH, THIRTY-FIRST, AND THIRTY- SECOND REGIMENTS ... 335 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

THIRTY-THIRD, THIRTY-FOURTH, AND THIRTY-FIFTH REGTMENTS . . 356 

CHAPTER XIX. 

THIRTY-SIXTH, THIRTY- SEVENTH, AND THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENTS . 377 

CHAPTER XX. 

THIRTY-NINTH, FORTIETH, AND FORTY-FIRST REGIMENTS .... 395 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER XXI. 

FOKTY-SECOND, FORTY-THIRD, FORTY- FOURTH, AND FOKTY-FIFTH 

REGIMENTS 408 

CHAPTER XXn. 

FORTY- SIXTH, FORTY- SEVENTH, AND FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENTS . . 421 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

FORTY-NINTH, FIFTIETH, AND FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENTS .... 432 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

FIFTY- SECOND AND FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENTS 442 

CHAPTER XXV. 

COLORED REGIMENTS 449 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

VETERAN REGIMENTS 459 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

SIXTIETH, SIXTY-FIRST, AND SIXTY- SECOND REGIMENTS .... 470 

CHAPTER XXVIIL 

THE HEAVY ARTILLERY 478 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY 486 

CHAPTER XXX. 

THE LIGHT BATTERIES • . . 499 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

THE LIGHT BATTERIES — Continued 517 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

A R]fcSUME OF MILITARY OPERATIONS 5.38 

CHAPTER XXXIH. 

THE NAVAL SERVICE OF THE STATE 550 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

GENERAL OFFICERS FURNISHED BY MASSACHUSETTS, WHO SURVIVED 

THE WAR 559 



xii CONTENTS. 

PART III. 

MASSACHUSETTS AT HOME. 

CHAPTER I. p^oK 

PATRIOTIC PHILANTHROPY AND CHARITIES 667 

CHAPTER 11. 

SANITARY ASSOCIATIONS AND AID SOCIETIES 575 

CHAPTER ni. 

THE FREEDSIEN ; THE REFUGEES ; THE DESTITUTE SOUTH . . .682 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE MEDICAL SERVICE 588 

CHAPTER V. 

THE CHURCHES AND THE CLERGY IN THE WAR 696 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE COLLEGES IN THE WAR 6(H 

CHAPTER Vn. 

MASSACHUSETTS POETS AND THE WxVR . 607 

CHAPTER Vni. 

THE HEROIC DEAD, AND NATIONAL PORTRAIT-GALLERY .... 623 

CHAPTER IX. 

FALLEN HEROES , 629 

CHAPTER X. 

FALLEN HEROES — Continued 638 

CHAPTER XI. 

MEMORIALS OF THE DEAD 645 



APPENDIX. 

BATTLES OF THE MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENTS, &0 651 



MASSACHUSETTS IN THE EEBELLION. 



PAET I. 

HISTORICAL POSITION OF THE COMMONWEALTH AT THE 
COMMENCEMENT OF THE CIVIL CONFLICT. 



CHAPTER I. 



This Country designed for Freedom. — The History of Massachusetts. — The Founders of 
the State. — Their Exile, first in Holland, then in America. — The Growth of the 
Colony. — The Progress of Free Principles. — Resistance to Oppressive Acts of the 
Mother-country. — The first Blood shed. — The Revolutionary Struggle. — Massachu- 
setts in the Republic. — The Opening of the Great Rebellion. 

GOD designed this country for free thought, and its highest 
expression in human society, — a republic. The history of 
Massachusetts is an imperishable record of this divine purpose, 
unfolding in national life and destiny. As, in a mountain-group, 
the beams of morning kindle first upon some solitary summit ; so 
the light of the sun of Liberty, rising on a new world, fell upon 
this ancient Commonwealth, and spread over the widening land- 
scape. In the advancing day, the single form of evil, admitted 
into the colonies, without a dream of its continuance, much less 
of its expansion into a system of oppression, whose " barbarism" 
would shock the civilized world, has yielded its life amid throes 
that imperilled the life of the nation itself. 

For a twofold reason, it is well to take a backward glance along 
the salient points of the history of Massachusetts, as introductory 
to her part in the late civil war. It will give, in her own progress 
and discipline, while educating the people at large for the tri- 
umphant vindication of nationality, and of the free principles that 
underlie its outward form through which we have just passed, a 
sufiicient answer to the unjust and repeated attacks, from certain 
quarters, upon New England. Wrote Hutchinson in 1674 : — 



2 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

" Tlie Massachusetts Colony may be considered as the parent 
of all the other colonies of New England. There was no impor- 
tation of planters from England to any part of the continent 
northward of Maryland, except to Massachusetts, for more than 
fifty years after the colony began. In the first two years, about 
twenty thousand souls had arrived in Massachusetts. Since 
then, it is supposed more have gone hence to England than 
have come thence hither. Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, 
Connecticut, and Rhode Island, probably contain five hundred 
thousand souls ; a surprising increase of subjects of the British 
crown ! " 

While it is not in accordance with the spirit of our institu- 
tions to raise the question of ancestral honor to that importance 
which it must always hold under the shadow of a throne, the 
Great Rebellion has forced upon us a just consideration and ap- 
preciation of our origin. 

The leaders in the revolt, though few in number, led and forced 
into its battle-field multitudes who had nothuig to gain in the 
treasonable cause. In another part of tlie Republic was present- 
ed the spectacle of a free people paying their willing homage to 
government and law, and united by this single bond of loyalty 
running through all classes and conditions in life. 

It can be clearly shown, in opposition to the aristocratic asser- 
tion at the South and across the Atlantic that the unanimity 
among the enemies of the national flag arose from their common 
origin and superior blood, that it was, in fact, the unnatural 
agreement to which tyranny brings a people in its degrading and 
lawless service ; and the long-denied, incomprehensible union 
of the North was the normal state of the millions s[)rung from 
the same English stock, and pervaded by that intelligent devotion 
to freedom which inhered in them from the beginning of their 
colonial existence. 

Whittemore, in his " Cavalier Dismounted," has demonstrated 
by facts and figures " that very few of the early settlers of the 
Virginia and other Southern Atlantic colonies possessed any 
hereditary claim to the rank of gentlemen ; and even these were 
without the indispensable body of hereditary retainers, in whom 
a reverential submission was a matter of faith. In the true 
sense, in the signification yet attached to the word in Europe, 
they never did establish an ai'istocracy ; yet they founded an imi- 
tation which has yearly become more despicable. Instead of 
tenants, the new aristocrats peopled their lands with black slaves, 



ORIGIN OF COLONIES NORTH AND SOUTH. 3 

or "white convicts bound to thcin for a term of years. As a nat- 
ural consequence, their aristocracy became composed, not of those 
who had hereditary rank, not of gentry in the English sense, 
but of all those who could invest capital in flesh and blood. In 
Virginia and the Carolinas, the slave-owners usurped the name 
of gentlemen : they had a sufficient intermixture of that class to 
serve as a screen, and there were none to question their claims. 
Tiie United States are essentially English to-day, despite the mil- 
lions of foreigners which have been absorbed into the population. 
The tendency of its citizens has been toward a democracy, and 
yet not toward anarchy and lawlessness. 

"When we inquire what controlling influence has impressed this 
form upon the national character, the enemies of the predomi- 
nant sentiment instinctively sliow that it is New England ; not 
the comparatively limited New England of 1863, but the New- 
England stock and influence which has invigorated nearly every 
State of the Union. In their ignorance of the past, these re- 
vilers of New England have been blindly attacking a greater fact 
than they were aware of. Not only is nearly a third part of our 
native-born population tlie offspring of the New England of the 
Revolution, but, long before that time, the intermixture had 
commenced. New England, colonized by Englishmen, homoge- 
neous in a remarkable degree, has been the only thoroughly pure 
nationality within our territories. The few stray Englishmen 
of education in the Southern Colonies, the much greater number 
of convicts, the increasing immigration of French, Irish, Scotch, 
and German settlers, have not only failed to overwhelm this com- 
pa(;t and thoroughly alive minority, but have been formed and 
moulded into shape by it. In protesting against New England, 
the Vallandighams and Coxes are only proving the nullity of 
' expunging resolutions.' ' Can they make that not to be which 
has been?' Until they can recall the past, annihilate the past 
inhabitants of these States, and from stones raise up some other 
progenitors for the present generation, they cannot desti'oy the 
influence of New England." 

For the confinnation of these views, we may feaiiessly point to 
the unquestioned annals of the Commonwealth. 

In 1602, while Bartholomew Gosnold was making the first 
English voyage of discovery along the coast of Massachusetts, 
naming Cape Cod, and afterward visiting the mainland, de- 
lighted with the " fair fields," " fragrant flowers," " stately 
groves," " pleasant brooks," and " beauteous rivers ; " in the rural 



4 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

town of Scrooby, Nottinghamshire, and also in Gainesborough, 
" the choice and noble spirits who planted New England " were 
learning tlie lessons of truth and liberty under such teachers 
as Clifton and John Robinson. 

And when, in the spring of 1604, James I. declared, at the 
opening of the first parliament, that " his mother-church was 
that of Rome, and that the Puritans were a sect insufferable in a 
well-governed commonwealth," the blow was struck whose great 
issue would be the founding of a republic. 

Three months later, when the persecuting monarch demanded 
conformity or ejectment, upon no churches did the oppressive 
order fall with more severity than upon the Independents of 
Scrooby and Gainesborough. 

Two years of suffering and thwarted attempts to seek the more 
friendly shores of Holland passed before the exiles were united 
in a land, to them a " new world," because of its. " uncouth 
language, different manners and customs, and strange fashions 
and attires." Among the Holland Pilgrims conspicuous in New 
England's early history was the scholarly and religious young 
Bradford, learning the art of silk-dyeing, although he had mas- 
tered the Hebrew, " because he would see with his own eyes the 
ancient oracles of God in their native beauty." Says the able 
and eloquent historian of Massachusetts, Barry, " Of other mem- 
bers of this Pilgrim Church, it is impossible, at the present day, 
to state with exactness how many were connected with this 
church, either in England or in Holland. No records have de- 
scended to ns from which a list of their names, or an account of 
their proceedings, can be authentically drawn ; and, for the want 
of such knowledge, it is as absurd as it is unnecessary to " forge 
ancient archives to stretch their lineage back, and to deduce it from 
the most illustrious houses. Their proudest pedigree is Massa- 
chusetts and Araericg,. Si monumentum qucEris circumspicey 

Eight years' experience of toil and trial among a strange and 
uncongenial people convinced the Pilgrims that growth and free- 
dom could not be secured in Holland ; while they also shrank from 
the danger of assimilation to their neighbors by long-continued 
association, and intermarriages which would not unfrequently 
occur, until their distinctive character as a people was lost. They 
cast their eyes upon the sea, determined to seek a home some- 
where beyond its waters. The colonial lands of Virginia, which 
had for a dozen years been occupied, and Guiana, the El Dorado 
of the age, had each enthusiastic advocates ; but English asso- 



THE PURITANS SAIL FOR AMERICA. 5 

ciations and protection decided them " to live in a distinct body 
by themselves, under the general government of Virginia, and by 
their agents to sue his Majesty to grant them free liberty, and 
freedom of religion." 

Three years later, in the year 1620, after prayers and tears, 
and counsel from Robinson worthy of the great crisis in their 
affairs, the exiles embarked for the English coast. " So they 

LEFT THAT GOODLY AND PLEASANT CITY WHICH HAD BEEN THEIR 
EESTING-PLACE NEARLY TWELVE YEARS. BUT THEY KNEW THEY 
WERE PILGRIMS, AND LOOKED NOT MUCH ON THOSE THINGS, AND 
QUIETED THEIR SPIRITS." 

The voyage of the "Mayflower" followed, and the landing of 
the Pilgrims on a desolate coast, with a compact in their hands, 
which contained the true principles of republican equality, — an 
instrument whose dignified and reverent assertion of rights has 
no parallel in the history of colonial settlements. 

On Clark's Island, Dec. 10 (O.S.), the Pilgrims observed the 
first Christian Sabbath kept in Massachusetts ; and, the succeed- 
ing day, went to the mainland, where, stepping upon Forefath- 
ers' Rock, they opened the first act in the '^ great drama," whose 
last " brought freedom to a wide-spread republic." 

Less than a decade of years had passed, when two great events 
in their formative influence upon New England occurred, — the 
founding of a new colony, as a distinct enterprise from that of 
the Pilgrims, with the speedy transfer of its charter from the 
company in England to the colony abroad, thus making them 
virtually one, and taking a decided step towards colonial self- 
government ; and the settlement at Shawmut, on account of its 
*' excellent spring," by Mr. Johnson, followed by Gov. Win- 
throp and others. These gifted and educated men who laid the 
foundation of Boston were not Separatists, but Churclnuen, who 
desired to escape from the corruptions at home, and, with their 
neighbors at Plymouth, " lay some good foundation for religion " 
iw the fresh, free air of the New World. 

Mr. Johnson, and his wife Lady Arbella, left " a paradise of 
plenty and pleasure in the family of a noble earldom " for " a 
wilderness of wants ; " and John Winthrop, the Christian ma- 
gistrate and gentleman, turned from the cherished associations 
which attend wealth and refinement to the same forest-home, 
leaving behind him his devoted and congenial companion. No 
loftier minds ever founded a city, a state, or an empire. 

Their sympathy with the Independents at Plymouth in religious 



6 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

experience, and the passionate longing for freedom to work un- 
hindered for God and mankind, drew them toward each other ; 
and under the moulding influence of the Puritan ministry, 
which stands unrivalled in mental and spiritual power, they soon 
blended their fortunes, and harmonized in civil and ecclesiastical 
polity. 

The church and schoolhouse, however humble, marked every 
clearing along the radiating lines of pioneering encroachment 
upon the boundless wilderness. 

The growing insecurity and danger of the colonies from In- 
dian conspiracies, and the jealousies of the French and Dutch, 
led them, in 1643, to make another stride in the unconscious 
progress toward a national independence. 

In the Preamble to the Articles of Confederation, they state, 
with the sublime calmness of a high and inflexible purpose, the 
law of a Union never to be dissolved : " We all came into these 
parts of America with one and the same end and aim ; viz., to 
advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the 
liberties of the gospel in purity with peace." Then follows a 
summary of the causes ^hich led to the " consociation," and the 
Twelve Articles that bound together "The United Colonies of New 
England," which was the " model and prototype of the North- 
American Confederacy of 1774." 

Just twenty eventful years of varied discussion of rights and 
privileges brought an open conflict of the colonists with trans- 
Atlantic intolerance. The king appointed four commissioners 
to hear and determine " all complaints and appeals in all causes 
and matters," civil and military, in the colonies, who, accom- 
panied by four hundred and fifty regular soldiers with their offi- 
cers, sailed for New England. Boston sent an eloquent and 
earnest protest against their interference ; and thwarted by the 
skilful and admirable management of her political leaders, whose 
plea first and last was the charter, the commissioners deter- 
mined to test their authority against that of the colony. May 
23, 1665, they ordered a merchant of Boston to appear the next 
day to answer to the charges of Thomas Deane and others. 
When the appointed hour on the 24th arrived, and the commis- 
sioners were prepared to proceed, a herald suddenly appeared, 
and with a trumpet-blast startled the royal representatives with 
the signal to listen to the governor's command, forbidding tiie 
people to aid or countenance them in their invasion of cliarter 
rights. The astonished commissioners, after a fruitless attempt 



RESISTANCE TO THE TYRANNY OF ANDROS. 7 

to revise the laws of the colony, and a furtlicr failure in their ef- 
forts in New Hampshire, which was then under the jurisdiction 
of Massachusetts, at length returned to England, to which the 
scene of negotiation was transferred. The machinations of the 
enemies of Massachusetts were eventually so far successful, that, 
in 1683-4, its charter was annulled. In May, 1686, his Majesty's 
commission of Gov. Dudley to be his royal vicegerent was " pub- 
lished by beat of drum, and sound of trumpet," and then 
transmitted to the several towns. Becoming unpopular, he was 
supplanted before the close of the year by Sir Edmond Andros, a 
" poor knight of Guernsey," who, flaunting the tinselled insignia 
of the office of Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of all 
New England, and attended by British troops, landed at Boston. 
His tyrannical hand was soon laid upon taxation, legislation, the 
press, and even upon matrimonial relations. To encourage the 
Church of England, and break down that of the colony, Andros 
sent for the key of the South Church, — a sanctuary which later 
became the very Temple of Liberty, echoing its purest eloquence, 
— that "prayers might be said there." This was soon after fol- 
lowed by a proposition to tax the people for the support of the 
Church of England. As these despotic acts were multiplied, 
the question was indignantly asked, " What people that had the 
spirits of Englishmen would endure this, — that when they had, at 
vast charges of their own, conquered a wilderness, and been in 
possession of their estates forty, nay, sixty years, that now a 
parcel of strangers, some of them indigent enough, must come 
and inherit all that the people now in New England, and their 
fathers before them, had labored for ? " 

Increase Mather, the " great metropolitan clergyman of the 
country," who, Randolph said, was as " full of treason as an egg 
of meat," and the ministers of the colony generally, openly and 
boldly preached resistance to the oppression of their rulers. At 
this crisis, the Revolution of 1688 dethroned the Stuarts, and ele- 
vated to the throne the house of Hanover in the person of King 
William. This vindication of popular rights in the mother-coun- 
try was almost simultaneous with the outbreak of exasperated 
feeling in the colony. April 18, 1689, at eight o'clock in the 
morning, Boston wore the aspect of unwonted agitation. It was 
reported that Andros would lire the town at one end, and Capt. 
George, of the English frigate " Rose," apply the torch at the 
other, and then both make good their escape. Soon the people 
were in arms, the very boys brandishing their clubs along the 



8 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

streets. At mid-day, a declaration was read from the balcony of 
the court-house, closing as follows : " We commit our cause 
unto the blessing of Him who hears the cry of the oppressed, 
and advise all our neighbors, for whom we have thus ventured 
ourselves, to join with us in prayers, and all just action for the 
defence of the land." A shout from the multitude rent the air; 
colors floated on Beacon Hill, the signals of the opening strug- 
gle ; and, in obedience to the summons, the citizens and soldiery 
of the country came streaming into Boston. Before night, twenty 
military companies were formed in the streets. 

The next day, April 19, 1689, across Charlestown and Chelsea 
Ferries poured another throng, lieaded by a Lynn schoolmaster. 
The surrender of the castle was demanded, and reluctantly made 
with a storm of curses : that of the frigate soon followed. The 
government of Andros was then overthrown, and a council of 
safety and peace was organized on its ruins. The royal governor 
was arrested, and, to secure him against violence, placed under 
guard. 

In 1692, King William erected a new government in the Pil- 
grim colonies, to be called the Province of Massachusetts Bay, 
and include Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Maine ; inaugurating 
a new era in the history of New England, whose growth had been 
steady in numbers, wealth, and liberality of sentiment, along 
with a deepening love of freedom, and purpose of resistance to 
oppression. 

And, in our estimate of the character of these colonists, the 
question is not, indeed, " What were the errors of the past ? 
but Wliat were its aims ? " And while " industry, frugality, and 
exemplary integrity, were characteristics of the people," it was 
not possible " to stifle the conviction which had sprung up, that 
freedom was the inalienable right of man, not to be parted with 
on any account whatever." 

In regard to the participation of the Massachusetts Colony in 
American slavery, it is enough to say, — 

" Slavery in general was so repugnant to the principles of the 
Puritans, it was viewed with abhorrence ; and, fortunately for 
New England, it never reached the dignity of a fixed ' institution ' 
to be cherished forever." 

The unhappy witchcraft delusion, of which some have spoken 
contemptuously, and others with unsparing denunciation, was 
only the outbreak of an epidemic infatuation, which had long 
prevailed with more frightful results in Old England, and which 



REVOLUTIONARY SPEECH OF JAMES OTIS. 9 

continued there long after the excitement and its tragedies had 
ceased in America. 

Through all moral and political changes among the people in 
the province of Massachusetts Bay, their struggles against the 
arrogant claims of the mother-country gathered strength. The 
"irrepressible conflict" was eloquently set forth in the words of 
James Otis in the old town-house of Boston, February, 1761 : " I 
am determined to my dying day to oppose, with all the powers and 
faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on 
the one hand, and villany on the other, as this writ of assistance 
is. I argue in favor of British liberties, at a time when we hear 
the greatest monarch upon earth declaring from his throne that 
he glories in the name of Briton, and that the privileges of his 
people are dearer to him than the most valuable prerogatives of 
his crown. I oppose the kind of power, the exercise of which, in 
former periods of English history, cost one King of England his 
head, and another his throne. Let the consequences be what 
they will, I am determined to proceed, and to the call of my 
country am ready to sacrifice estate, ease, health, applause, and 
even life. The patriot and the hero will ever do thus ; and, 
if brought to the trial, it will then be known how far I can 
reduce to practice principles which I know to be founded in 
truth." 

John Adams declared that "American Independence was then 
and there born." 

The first victim of the Revolutionary period was the lad Snider, 
twelve years of age, killed by a shot from the house of Richard- 
son the " informer," fired into the indignant crowd the 22d of 
February, 1770. His funeral was attended by " all the friends 
of liberty ; " five hundred children walking in procession in front 
of the bier. 

The Boston Massacre followed on the 5th of March ; and, 
of the three killed on the spot by British troops, Attucks the 
mulatto, and Caldwell the " stranger," were borne to their graves 
from Faneuil Hall. 

The anniversary of the slaughter was observed with great 
solemnity upon its annual recurrence, fanning the rising flame 
of patriotism in the colonies. 

In the Representatives' Chamber at Boston, Nov. 3, 1772, when 
the committee of correspondence was appointed, — who subse- 
quently, through Samuel Adams and Joseph Warren, sent forth 
a statement of rights, and their violations, and, from the pen of 



10 MASSACHUSETTS IN TUB REBELLION. 

Benjamin Church, a letter to the several towns of the province, — 
the foundation was laid of the American Union. 

The towns sent back in clear accents their readiness to stand 
by the committee and the proposed Union. As the uprising of the 
people increased in extent and ominous determination, " every eye 
was fixed upon Boston, once the seat of commerce and of plenty, 
and inhabited by an enterprising and hospitable people. The cause 
in which it suffered was regarded as the common cause of the 
country. A hostile fleet lay in its harbor ; hostile troops paraded 
its streets ; the tents of an army dotted its common ; cannon 
were planted in commanding positions ; its port was closed, its 
wharves were deserted, its commerce was paralyzed, its shops 
were shut, and many were reduced from affluence to poverty. 
Yet a resolute spirit inspired them still. The Sons of Liberty 
knew no despair; and the "Liberty Song," set to the tune of 
" Smile, Brittania," bade the citizens of the beleaguered town — 

" Be not dismayed : 
Though tyrants now oppress, 
Though fleets and troops invade, 
You soon will have redress. 
The resolution of the brave 
Will injured Massachusetts save." 

Such was the progress made at the close of 1772 by the found- 
ers of New England. They believed not in the despotic cen- 
tralization of power, but in its consolidation. Freedom was not 
to them license to throw off wholesome restraints, but both civil 
and ecclesiastical tyranny, substituting in its place fixed, strong, 
and compact government, — the foundation for ages of progress 
in every direction of human development, under the acknowl- 
edged and welcome sovereignty of God. 

The cementing force in such representative authority was wm- 
tual confidence. And this very trust in each other sprang not 
alone from similarity of religious views and unselfish feeling, but 
from the conscious posssession of self-government, — that resolute 
self-control which fitted every man to be a ruler in society, be- 
cause he held all selfish, volcanic passions subordinate to the gen- 
eral good. 

Such intelligent estimate of human relations and duty led to 
another sublime peculiarity of character in their administration 
of power, — the transfer of the sentiment we call loyalty, the 
mind's homage to divinely appointed authority, from personal 



THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. — LEXINGTON: 11 

presence and external pageantry, to Icvw itself. It is true, the 
forefathers carried this supreme regard for the invisible soul of 
all just supremacy to the extreme of disdain for the tinsel of royal 
prerogatives and a mitred priesthood ; but there was still an intel- 
ligent appreciation of essential truth, tried in the fire of manifold 
and protracted persecution. 

March 5, 1773, in his oration on the Boston Massacre, Benja- 
min Church predicted that some future Congress v^ould be the 
"glorious source of the salvation of America;" and, seven days 
later, Virginia, by her legislative resolves, advised a union of 
councils throughout the continent ; a measure urged with all 
the earnestness and eloquence of Samuel Adams, Then Phila- 
delphia spoke in behalf of Pennsylvania, denouncing the duty on 
tea, and branding him who countenanced its importation " an 
enemy to his country," 

Dec. 16, by the Boston Tea-party, at Griffin's Wharf, the " die 
was cast." Mothers and their daughters lent the inspiration of 
their affection to the fathers and sons, offering their highest sacrifice 
on the altar of Liberty. 

April 19, 1775, dawned upon Lexington, alive with preparation 
to meet the descent upon the military stores gathered there, of 
which the midnight couriers had forewarned the loyal people. 

Before the fire of Pitcairn's men fell eight martyrs of Liberty, 
and iQw more were bleeding from the wounds which the arms of 
England had made. The War op the Revolution was opened 
on that day in the streets of Lexington, 

"What a glorious morning is this! " exclaimed Samuel Adams 
as he heard the sound of the guns borne to his ear from the scene 
of carnage. It is a suggestive fact, that Massachusetts then, and 
in 1861, gave the first blood of sacrifice to the country; and Vir- 
ginia, the first to respond to her call in 1775, became the last 
great battle-field of Rebellion, The stirring events which followed, 
from Bunker Hill to Yorktown, make up the third grand period 
in the liistory of freedom on this continent. 

In 1776, Massachusetts had ten thousand troops in the Revolu- 
tionary army, whose entire number was forty thousand. She 
furnished more troops for the war than all the colonies south of 
Pennsylvania, three times as many as New York, and nearly the 
same excess over Pennsylvania. Amid the opening scenes of the 
struggle for Independence, -the hideous anomaly in the Christian 
colonies, African slavery, was not forgotten. 

In Worcester, where emancipation, as a measure indispensable to 



12 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

success in tlie recent war, was first advocated by Senator Sumner 
before the people in 1860, a convention of the citizens of the State, 
lately a colony, in 1775 declared their abhorrence of the enslaving 
of any of the human race, especially the negroes, in this country, 
and their purpose to use all means in their power to secure uni- 
versal freedom. About the same time, Massachusetts took the 
lead in preparatory steps to a convention of the States, looking 
toward their confederation ; and, in 1787, her action received the 
approval of Congress. Meanwhile, in the Congress of the Thirteen 
States, March, 1784, Mr. Jefferson sat on a select committee to 
report a plan of government for the Western territory, including 
the extensive region which afterwards formed the States of 
Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. The report presented to 
Congress an article fatal to the extension of slavery. It read : 
" That, after the year 1800 of the Christian era, there shall be 
neither slaver?/ nor involuntary servitude in any of the said States, 
otherwise than in punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall 
have been duly convicted to have been personally guilty." 

A majority of the votes of all the States was required, and lost 
only by the absence of the member from New Jersey. New 
England, New York, and Pennsylvania were unanimous in their 
votes for the prohibition ; Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, 
against it ; and North Carolina divided. 

Thus the first great act of justice to the nation and a proscribed 
race, in Congress, after the dawn of peace, was defeated ; and the 
State solitary to-day at the North, by her position on national 
questions, and in neglecting to cast her vote for freedom, fastened 
upon the South the system which ruled the nation, and well-nigh 
ruined it.* 

In the Confederation of 1787, through whose action the States 
became a nationality, the first condition was the surrender at 
once and forever of a separate existence; reserving only that 
degree of local government which would be harmoniously subor- 
dinate to the life and sovereignty of the General Government . 

The honorable position of Massachusetts was recognized by the 
people in the selection of John Adams, in the first presidential 
election under the Constitution, to sit by the side of Washington 
in the administration of the power it conferred. 

Unfortunately, the objections of the Commonwealth, and of other 
States in the convention that adopted the instrument, to the 

* Since these pages were written, New Jersey has taken her position with her loyal 
sister States. 



MASSACHUSETTS ALWAYS ANTISLAVERY. 13 

legalizing of slavery, of the slave-trade for twenty years, and 
conceding the right of the slave States to demand the return of 
fugitives, were overruled by considerations of present expediency ; 
and the system of which Ellsworth said, " Slavery will not be a 
speck in our country," was destined to become the blackest storm- 
cloud that ever dropped its bolts upon a nation. 

In 1780, Massachusetts framed a constitution, which contained 
the declaration, that " all men are born free and equal, and have 
certain, natural, essential, and inalienable rights, among which is 
the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties, and 
that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property." The 
Supreme Court of the State decided, that, by this provision, slavery 
was abolished. 

New Hampshire followed in the same manner in 1783, and 
Rhode Island in 1784. 

The general consistency of Massachusetts from her earliest 
existence, on the great questions of human rights, cannot be 
denied. It has made her the object of special dislike by the friends 
of oppression, and has given pre-eminence to her sons among those 
modern Nazarenes in the eyes of the " chivalry," — the "Yankees." 
Her citizens have not to any extent differed here. Party issues 
have divided her councils, and the extreme views of some re- 
formers have had the effect either to create silence, or draw forth 
an apology for the slave-power, whose claims were presented in 
the name of the Constitution. 

Those very reformers, among whom William Lloyd Garrison 
and Wendell Phillips are pre-eminent in talents, and the latter 
alone in the grace and splendor of his oratory, commanded ad- 
miring throngs, because, along with whatever of extravagance 
entered into their appeals, they reached and interpreted the 
popular conscience. Their iijoral courage entitles them to re- 
spect, which will be theirs when scorn has branded with eternal 
shame the last vestige of human bondage. 

In the broadening and deepening sweep of Massachusetts' ideas 
and sentiment, opposed by the sleepless propagandism of the South, 
and advocated so ably in Congress by John Quincy Adams, Hor- 
ace Mann, Charles Sumner, and Henry Wilson, political expe- 
diency and differences have been overborne, until her brow in the 
van of the world's progress is unclouded, and bright with unfading 
hope. 

After South Carolina passed an act authorizing the imprison- 
ment of colored seamen, found on board of vessels in her ports, 



14 MASSACHUSETTS 7iV THE REBELLION. 

till they sailed again, this Commonwealth first appeared to ques- 
tion the right, and to protect her mariners. The Legislature 
resolved to test the constitutionality of the enactment. In 
conformity with the resolution, the lamented Gov. Briggs ap- 
pointed the Hon. Samuel Hoar to proceed to Charleston to pro- 
cure evidence, and institute legal proceedings. He arrived there 
November, 1844. His threatened life, and expulsion from the 
city with his daughter, is the brief history of his mission. 

The memorable Compromise of 1850, followed by slave-hunt- 
ing at the North, was no less repugnant to the true heart of 
Massachusetts because her greatest statesman approved it on the 
ground of a constitutional demand not only, but that of concilia- 
tion and peace. The Nebraska Bill inaugurated a reign of terror iu 
Kansas, among whose persecuted pioneers New-England emigrants 
were largely represented. But no event ripened more rapidly the 
general sentiment of the State than the trial and rendition of 
Anthony Burns in early June, 1854. The peaceful trial in the 
court-room, the armed soldiery escorting the victim to the United- 
States cutter "Morris" without molestation, while the Common- 
wealth throbbed to her extremities with indignation over the 
intended insult, illustrated, as nothing had done before, her 
hatred to the system that offered it, and her indestructible love 
of order. The majesty of law awed the descendants of Revolu- 
tionary heroes into silence, while, like the divine Friend of the 
poor, one of his disciples was led, as a lamb to the slaughter, from 
freedom to bloody bondage. 

May 22, 1856, the outrage! upon Massachusetts and the nation, 
in its Capitol, was repeated by Senator Brooks in his cowardly and 
ruthless attack upon Charles Sumner. When he lay apparently 
near death from the wounds inflicted upon his head, the State 
that sent him to the senate-chamber was moved with inexpressi- 
ble emotions of grief and horror. The question was not, whether 
the remarkable speech on the Barbarism of Slavery was faultless 
in thought and delivery : it was enough to know that the mur- 
derous blows laid upon the brow of her senator were intended to 
express the domineering hate of the oppressor toward the Com- 
monwealth not only, but the liberty-loving North ; while it struck 
down the right of free discussion everywhere. 

The very next year, the Drcd Scott decision was rendered by 
Chief Justice Taney, against whose inhumanity Justice Curtis, 
from Massachusetts, gave his decided opinion, although him- 
self a warm personal friend of Daniel Webster, and belonging to 
tlie conservative school. 



MASSACHUSETTS ALWAYS ANTISLAVERY. 15 

The clergy and tlie churches, with comparatively few excep- 
tions, have always shown that fealty to the principles of righteous- 
ness in the State, which distinguished the days of colonial heroism 
in the pulpit and in the assemblies of the people. 

Thus nearly two liundred and fifty years of conflict with legal- 
ized wrongs, and of intelligent thought upon human rights and 
well-being, had prepared Massachusetts to meet bravely the 
second great life-struggle of Freedom on this continent. When 
the popular election of 18(30 elevated to the presidency a man, 
who, in the minds of the people, will ever be associated with 
Washington, the trial-hour of Nationality came, and found her 
ready for it. 

It will be seen by reference to Congressional records, that of 
the score of antislavery measures, which, during the four years 
of war, swept away the defences of oppression reared by the 
national legislation during fifty years, more than half of them 
were introduced by members from the single State of Massachu- 
setts, whose prompt support of other bills was not unfrequently the 
influence that secured their passage. The abolition of slavery in 
the District of Columbia, the great work of national emancipa- 
tion, and the Bureau of Freedmen, are forever associated with the 
names of Massachusetts Congress-men. It is not an occasion for 
proud comparison with other States, but an historical fact to 
which we point the friends of freedom the world over, whenever 
the unfounded sneer is aimed at New England. 

The recognition of this providential position occasionally ap- 
pears in the record of public affairs made by the columns of the 
newspaper press. When the triumphant vindication of the prin- 
ciples of our Government by the popular elections of 18G5 was 
known, the leading papers of Philadelphia had expressions of 
congratulation like those we quote in this connection : — 

To commence with the extreme East, we find that the stanch -old Com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts, whose consistency is as eternal as the waves of 
her bay, has, of course, rolled up her old majority in favor of the cause of free- 
dom. Small in size, small in population, when compared with her sisters, 
she is great in brain, and large of heart ; and her action yesterday was only 
what we had cause to expect from her record in the past, and her attitude 
throuo'hout the darkest hour of our national life. 

o 

Such a history suggests responsibilities corresponding with the 
greatness of the work committed to the Commonwealth in the 
training of her children for the duties before them, — not only to 



16 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the South, but to the mighty West, throughout whose empire of 
material resources they are to be no inconsiderable power in its 
progress and character. 

The influence of the State in the national councils, the work 
done by her Congress-men there, and the action of the local gov- 
ernment at home, will appear more fully in the sketches of her 
leading statesmen when the Rebellion broke, like the storm upon 
the fisherman's bark of Galilee, on the Ship of State. No ship 
can go down with Him on board who guided the " Mayflower " 
over the wintry deep ; but it was well that we had skilful and 
faithful men to man our richly-freighted vessel when the tempest 
came, — an assurance that a kind Providence will continue to 
conduct it through the turbulent waters yet around it, onward in 
its course of glory and blessing. 



CHAPTER 11. 

MASSACHUSETTS STATESMEN IX THE EEBELLION. 

Influence of the Leading Minds of the State upon the Nation. — Gov. John A. Andrew. — 
His Birthplace. — Enters College. — Graduates, and studies Law in Boston. — His 
Antislaverj' Position. — In the Legislature. — Governor of the State during the Civil 
War. — His Earnest and Active Loyalty. — Tributes to his Character. 

AMONG- the inscriptions in Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, 
not far from that of " The Nation's Birthplace," and be- 
tween two quaint, very high-backed chairs, each bearing the 
words, " Continental Congress, 1774," shine the golden letters 
which make this record of the past : — 

"Within these walls 

Henry, Hancock, and Adams 

Inspired the 

Delegates of the Colonies 

W^ith nerve and sinew for the 

Toils of war, 

Resulting in our National Independence." 

Hancock and Adams were Massachusetts statesmen ; and their 
names suggest again, by their association with the Virginia orator, 
the relation of the States to each other then and now. Side by 
side in the glorious pre-eminence of eloquent and influential 
statesmanship stood the Bay State and the Old Dominion in the 
Revolutionary War. In the civil conflict, the one was still first 
in active loyalty, and its expression in the character, and power 
to guide the people, of her political leaders; while the other was 
both the first and the last great battle-field of Treason. 

We have already glanced at the history of Massachusetts from 
the voyage of the " Mayflower " (and even before that vessel set 
sail) to the establishment of the Republic ; and this is not the 
place to dwell upon the illustrious names that link the early years 
of the nation's existence with those of attempted suicide by a 
portion of her vast empire. We must be content witli brief 
sketches of the most conspicuous actors in the suppression of the 
terrible revolt ; and we begin fittingly this roll of honor with 

3 17 



18 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

liis Excellency John Albion Andrew, tlie twenty-first governor 
of Massachusetts since 17S0. 

He was born in Windham, Me., May 31, 1S18. His boyhood 
was free from vices, and of a cheerful, sprightly, and studious 
character. Graduating at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, in 1837, 
he removed to Boston, and entered upon the study of law. 

In 1840, he was admitted to the bar. 

Thoroughly antislavery, he met every step of its aggressions 
with his protest, wherever his voice could speak for freedom. 

In 1850, the passage of the Fugitive-slave Law called forth his 
warmest opposition to the enactment, and its enforcement in 
Massachusetts. He felt then, what few will deny now, that the 
measure was an intended test of slave-power, and an insult to 
the Commonwealth. 

In 1858 he was elected to the Legislature, where his course 
was entirely consistent in the advocacy of human rights. 

He was a delegate, in 1860, to the Repubhcan Convention 
which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency, and voted 
for him. 

The same year, he was elected Governor of Massachusetts by 
the largest popular vote ever cast for a candidate for that office. 

He foresaw, in the agitation at the South which followed the 
election of Mr. Lincoln, the beginning of a fearful conflict, and 
began to prepare for it. The militia of the State was summoned 
to the armories and the drill, and nothing omitted necessary to 
place it on a footing of efficiency. The unequalled foresight and 
prompt action displayed by the Governor will necessarily further 
appear in the annals of " Massachusetts in the Field." 

Gov. Andrew was re-elected in 1861 with but feeble opposition, 
and successively in 1862, '63, and "61 ; and then declined to be 
again a candidate. His term of office expiring in January, 1866, 
he could rest from the herculean labor of carrying the State 
through the four years of war. He had given himself with untiring 
assiduity to the work of making the Commonwealth ever ready, 
as she was always willing, to stand in the front rank of the States, 
in cheerful sacrifice of all things, if required, to crush treason, 
and save the Republic by rescuing it from the grasp of a domi- 
neering tyranny, whose boast was that it took the fresh-moulded 
image of God from his hand, and stamped upon it, in the hour of 
its birth, '• Goods and chattels personal.'' 

In the conference of loyal governors at Altoona, Penn., Septem- 
ber, 1862, he was conspicuous in hopeful, ardent patriotism, and 



STATE PAPERS. 19 

prepared the address to the President, urging the issue of a call 
for three hundred thousand new troops to the field. 

His messages and addresses on special occasions, such as on the 
departure or return of regiments, the presentation of flags, and 
on other public occasions, are models of their kind ; and many of 
them, or extracts from them, will be given in appropriate places 
as we advance in the volume. 

His message of January, 1861, reads now like a prophetic 
oracle. Touching briefly, yet with marvellous comprehensive- 
ness and clearness, upon the disturbing elements abroad in the 
land, he vindicates the previous history of Massachusetts, and 
exonerates lier from every charge of being in any way responsible 
for the unhappy dissensions. He shows her constant loyalty, 
especially through the years from 1850 to 1860, and her readi- 
ness to defend at any cost the national life. •' Her people will 
forever stand by their country." Gov. Andrew then presents in 
a masterly manner the position held by the old Bay State to- 
wardfthe country by referring to the threatening condition of 
affairs, and with the following comprehensive question : •• Shall a 
re-actionary spirit, unfriendly to liberty, be permitted to subvert 
democratic republican government organized under constitutional 
forms ? " The whole tone of this portion of the message showed 
that he foresaw in a great measure the magnitude of the coming 
contest, and would prepare the people for it. But we then 
thought there was more of rhetoric than of fact in his weighty 
sentences. Time passed on, and we learned to be grateful for his 
foresight. 

Gov. Andrew's keen appreciation of State and National affairs, 
and his promptness of action, are admirably shown in his mes- 
sage at the special session in May, 1861. It opens with the 
laconic words, " The occasion demands action, and it shall not 
be delayed by speech ; " and then he points out ichat is to be 
done, and how it is to be done, in the tersest language. 

Want of space will not allow us to enter into detail ; but the 
reader is commended to all the messages of Gov. Andrew during 
the war. As State papers, they possess rare excellence, — practi- 
cal to the highest degree, comprehensive in their scope, far-reach- 
ing in their grasp, yet adorned with a rhetorical beauty and 
a fervid eloquence that were magnetic in their effect upon the 
people. He never allowed the sparkle of enthusiasm to subside ; 
and. through all the long years of the war, he, and through him 
the State, was the embodiment of true patriotism and high mili- 
tary zeal. 



20 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLIOX. 

Of course, in the war messages, there is much that was for 
immediate aud temporary effect. Sudden emergencies were to 
be provided for, and the people were to be stirred in their emo- 
tional nature. Gov. Andrew's Valedictory Address, January, 
1866, is of a different character. Closely argumentative, severely 
logical, with no superfluous words, it will stand as one of the 
ablest papers on reconstruction ever placed before the people ; 
and, by its strong contrast with .previous documents, it shows in a 
striking light the versatile powers of the distinguished author. 

A few extracts from different State papers will indicate the 
tone of the whole. From his message to the Senate,. January, 
1862, we quote : — 

Military education, both in the mllltla and In connection with the earlier 
training of the seminaries of learning, and the establLshraent of a school 
within the State taught by pi-ofessors of military science, are all subjects 
deeply engaging the minds of the people. 

It is to be ho}>ed that Congress at Its present session will adopt some 
comprehensive national plan of mllltla organization, requliing all men #»-lthin 
certain ages to make it a point of honor and duty to instruct, strengthen, 
and recreate themselves by that reasonable training desirable to prepare the 
citizen to shoulder the musket at any crisis of public danger or disaster 

I venture to recommend that our own militia should be brought to the high- 
est perfection possible by legislative encouragement. Can it be regarded as 
due to the momentous possibilities of the future, or just to the people, that 
less than twenty-five thousand men, fitted and furnished to be mobilized in a 
week, should constitute an active militia Y . . . 

The ultimate extinction of human slavery is inevitable. That this war, 
which is the revolt of slavery (checkmated by an election, and permanently 
subordinated by the census) not merely against the Union and ^,he Consti- 
tution, but against popular government and democratic institutions, will deal 
it a mortal blow, is not less inevitable. 

I may not argue the proposition ; but it is true. And while the prin- 
ciples and opinions adopted in my earliest manhood, growing whh every year 
in strength and intelligence of conviction, point always to the policy of jus- 
tice, the expediency of humanity, and the necessity of duty, to which the 
relations of our Government and people to the whole subject of slavery form 
no exception, — so that I have always believed that every constitutional power 
l)elonging to the Government, and every just influence of the people, ought 
to be used to limit and terminate this enonuous wi"ong, which curses not only 
the bondman and his master, but blasts the very soil they stand upon, — I 
yet mean, as I have done since the beginning of the " secession," — I mean to 
continue to school myself to silence. I cannot suspect that my opinions, in 
view of the past, can be misconceived by any to whom they may be of the 
shghtest consequence or curiosity. Nor do I believe that the faith of 3Iassa- 



VIEWS OX EDUCATIOX. 21 

chusetts can be mistaken or mLsinterpreted. The record of her declared 
opinions Ls resplendent with instruction, and even with prophecy; but she 
was treated for years as the Cassandra of the States, disHked lecaa-.e of her 
fidelity to the ancient faith, and avoided because of her warnings and her 
testimony. And now, when the Divine Providence is leading all the people 
in ways they had not imagined, I will not dare attempt to run before, and 
possibly imperil, the truth itself. Let him lead to whom the people have 
assigned the authority and the power. One great duty of absorbing, royal 
patriotism, which is the public duty of the occasion, demands us all to follow. 
Placed in no situation where it becomes me to discuss his policy, I do not 
stop even to consider it. The only question which I can entertain is what to 
do, and, when that question is answered, the other is what next to do, in 
the sphere of activity where it is given me to stand ; for by deeds, and not 
by words, is this people to accomplish their salvation. 

Let our« be the duty in this gi-eat emergency to furnish, in unstinted 
measure, the men and the money required of us for the common defence. 
Let Massachusetts ideas and ^Massachusetts principles go forth, with the in- 
dustrious, sturdy sons of the Commonwealth, to propagate and intensify, in 
every camp and upon every battle-field, that love of equal liljerty, and those 
rights of universal humanity, which are the basis of our institutions ; but 
let none of us who remain at home presume to direct the pilot or to seize 
the helm. To the civU head of the National State, to the military head of 
the National Army, our fidelity, our confidence, our constant, devoted, 
unwavering support, rendered in the spirit of intelligent freemen, of large- 
minded citizens, conscious of the difficulties of government, the responsibili- 
ties of power, the perils of distrust and division, are due without measure 
and without reservation. 

The Great Piebellion must be put down, and its promoters crushed be- 
neath the ruins of their own ambition. The greatest crime of history must 
receive a doom so swift and sure, that the enemies of popular government 
shall stand in awe while they contemplate the elastic energy and concentra- 
tive power of democratic institutions and a free people. 

Inspired by trust in God, and an immortal hate of wrong, let us conse- 
crate to-day every personal aspiration and every private hope in one united 
apostrophe to our countiy and her cause : " Where thou goest, I will go ; 
and where thou lodgest, I will lodge : thy people shall be my people, and 
thy God my God : where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried." 

While we naturally glance first at the military features of Gov. 
Andrew's administration, it should be borne in mind that he 
looked after the interests of the State, in all directions, with his 
characteristic energy and ability. We point with pride to his 
message of January, I8G0, in whicli he treats of the educational 
interests of the Commonwealth with a clearness of insight, and 
breadth of view, rarely equalled. President Hill, of Harvard Col- 



22 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

lege, who probably is better acquainted than any other man with 
Gov. Andrew's views on the subject of education, remarks, in a 
private letter, — 

Gov. Andrew has, during his official career, shown a great interest in the 
cause of education, and an understanding of its needs far above that of states- 
men in general. I know of no man whose general views are wider in their 
gi'asp, or wiser in their details. His message to the Legislature, Jan. 10, 
1863, has been quoted with high approbation in France and in Germany ; 
and, had tlie General Court that winter shown any thing of tlie same lofty 
spirit, Massachusetts would have placed heri-elf, under his administration, in 
the same high rank in the work of education that she took in the work of up- 
holding the Federal Government. But he was in advance of his State, and 
the great opportunity failed. Yet liow nobly he bore it ! and with what wis- 
dom set himself about accomplishing, in the best manner, the inferior ends to 
which the Legislature determined to apply the fund ! 

Perhaps, as a purely literary production, his address before the 
New-Eiiglaiid Agricultural Society, in September, 1864, is espe- 
cially creditable. It closed with this passage : — 

In behalf of such a Union and such a Government, a people like those 
of New England will continue in the future as they have done in the past, 
by the methods of peace and in the shock of arms, to struggle against every 
foe, unconscious of dismay, and despising temptation. For the preservation 
of our nationality, they have, like their brethren in other sections, accepted 
the dread appeal to arms. For the sake of maintaining government and 
order and pulilic Uberty, the loyal men of the Union liave not shunned the 
arbitrament of war. Lovers of peace, and haters of discord, we of New 
England are slow to draw the blade ; but we are slower still to yield to the 
infamy which must blast a coward's name, or to that infirmity of purpose 
which grows tired of a grand and momentous duty because it tasks our 
manhood or our faith. To protect the printing-press, the plough, the anchor, 
the loom, the cradle, the fireside, and the altar, the rights of labor, the 
earrxing-s of industry, the security and the peace of home, if it must be, we 
can wield the sword, nor return it hastily to its wonted scabbard ; for the 
brand of war becomes then the sacred emblem of every duty and every 
hope. 

" The sword ! — a name of dread ; yet when 

Upon the freeman's thigh 'tis bound, 
While for his altar and his hearth, 
While for the land that gave him birth, 

The war-drums roll, the trumpets sound, 
How sacred is it then ! 

Whenever for the Truth and Right 

It flashes in the van of fight, — 

Whether in some wild mountain-pass, 

As that where fell Leonidas ; 



THE MILITIA. 23 

Or on some sterile plain, and stern, — 
A Marston or a Bannockburn ; 
Or 'mid fierce crags and bursting rills. 
The Switzer's Alps, gray Tyrol's hills; 
Or, as when sunk the Armada's pride, 
It gleams above the stormy tide, — 
Still, still, whene'er the battle-word 
Is Liberty, when men do stand 
For justice and their native land, 
Then Heaven bless the swokd ! " 

The Governor's last words upon the militia of the State were 
spoken Jan. 3, 186G. He gave very clearly his views of its con- 
dition and wants ; saying, in regard to the latter, — 

I bad hoped, dm-ing nearly five years, to have the satisfaction, on my 
relinquishing office, of leaving a strong body of active militia, well organized, 
well disciplined, thoroughly armed, uniformed, and equipped. With careful 
pains, the material needed for the purposes of such a body, ample in num- 
bers, has been accumulated ; and had it been in my power to district the 
Commonwealth, and draft soldiers up to the number of men of different arms 
limited ])y the act of 1865, with the right also to receive volunteers and 
substitutes instead of drafted men, and also to cause the unifonns to be served 
out both understandingly and with safety to the public property, it would 
have been easy at this moment to present rolls and rosters of a body of citi- 
zen-soldiers never surpassed. The proportion of active militia would have 
been about one-fifteenth of the whole body of men enrolled for duty. And, 
at a reasonable compensation for each day's training, it would be easy to 
keep on foot such a proportion. Militia service, like service on the juries or 
other public duties, would Ije regarded as alike important and honorable. If 
the term for each man was limited to three years, no young man would deem 
it onerous ; and, with all our recent experiences fresh in mind, the people 
of iMassachusetts could not be contented with the wasteful economy of leav- 
ing the State undefended, and unready for any defence. We have now in 
commission many officers, and on our rolls many soldiers, of the highest 
merit. It was my utmost pride to be completely identified with their final 
and successful organization ; but it was not fit for me, by anticipating 
events or acting in advance of needful legislation, to risk the great interests 
of the future strength and fame of the militia. CaUing renewed attention 
to the reports referred to, I leave the subject to the wisdom of the Legis- 
lature. 

Gov. Andrew's Message to the Legislature, April 17, 1865, on 
the death of Mr, Lincoln, was perhaps, for a brief document, one 
of his best efforts. We can quote no more than the opening and 
closing paragraphs, passing over his clear and accurate analysis 
of the President's character, which we have not seen equalled by 
any published estimates of his qualities of mind and heart : — 



24 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Since the last adjournment of the General Court of Massachusetts, the 
people of the United States have been overtaken by a great and enduring 
sorrow. In the midst of the exultations of recent and repeated victory, in 
the midst of the highest hopes, of the most auspicious omens, in the hour of 
universal joy, the nation passed at once, by an inscrutable and mysterious 
Providence, into the valley of the shadow of death. Assembled while the 
cloud is yet thick upon our eyes, and the hearts of men are oppressed by the 
sense of a strange dismay, it has become my mournful duty to record, by 
formal and official announcement to the legislative department of the Com- 
monwealth, this calamitous and distressing event. 

But there now remains to us yet another and perhaps a greater labor. On 
the ruins of that social despotism, over the fallen altars of that barbarism, in 
whose despairing death-throe was planned and executed this dastardly assas- 
sination, by the side of the bleeding form of all that was mortal in that 
magnanimous father of his people, let us pronounce the vows of a new 
obedience. 

" Powers depart, 
Possessions vanish, and opinions change, 
And passions hold a fluctuating seat; 
But by the storms of circumstance unshaken. 
And subject neither to eclipse nor wane, 
Duty exists.'' 

Order, law, freedom, and true civilization, must rise into life all over the 
territory blasted by despotism, barbarism, and treason. The schemes of 
sentimental poUticians, who neither learn nor forget, whose ideas of con- 
structive statesmanship are only imitative as are the mechanical ideas of the 
bee or the beaver ; the plans of men who would rebuild on the sand, for 
the sake of adhering to a precedent, — must be utterly, promptly, and for- 
ever rejected. 

Let the Government and the people resolve to be brave, faithful, impar- 
tial, and just. With the blessing of God, let us determine to have a country 
the home of liberty and civilization. Let us deserve success, and we shall 
surmount every obstacle, we shall survive delays, we shall conquer defeat, 
we shall win a peaceful victory for the great ages of the future, and, for the 
cause of mankind, we shall requite these years of toil and war. The blood 
of all this noble army of the martyrs, from the soldiers of IMassachusetts 
who fell in Baltimore, to Abraham Lincoln the President, who has mingled 
his own with theirs, — the blood of this noble army of martyrs shall be, as of 
old, the seed of the Church. 

Gov. Andrew's proclamations, especially those for Thanksgiv- 
ings, were remarkable productions, marked with religious fervor, 
full of Bible language, quoted with singular aptness, and remind- 
ing us of the days of the Puritans. They were celebrated and 
read ull over the loyal States, and will ever remain as brilliant, 



MB. QUINT'S TRIBUTE. 25 

and at tlie same time patriotic and Christian documents of re- 
markable beauty and power. 

We have neither space nor inclination to discuss questions of 
policy or personal appreciation which arose, and were sometimes 
attended with deep feeling, in the administration of civil and 
military power. It would not be strange if mistakes were made, 
unjust and injurious prejudices formed, and merit overlooked. 

Tlie views of Gov. Andrew upon the subject of capital punish- 
ment, his dissent from popular opinions in other matters, and 
his personal estimate of particular officers, will be criticised, and 
by many condemned ; but none can question his sincerity of de- 
votion to the great interests of the people and to the rights of 
humanity. 

The testimony of Uev. A. H. Quint, for three years the popular 
chaplain of the Second Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, in 
his Election Sermon, January, 1866, is very just and emphatic ; 
and we give it at length : — 

Well was it for IMassacbusetts, that, when the clouds were lowering, she 
called to the chair of the Executive a man who could say, " I know not what 
record of sin may await me in another world ; but this I know : I was never 
mean enough to despise any man because he was ignorant, nor because he 
was poor, nor because he was black." 

Massachusetts needed such a man in such a crisis. She wanted one who 
believed in man, yet not the less beheved in God ; one in whose nature was 
inborn her hereditary love of freedom, yet no more inflexible in his faith than 
determined in its development ; one to be not only the exponent, but the 
fearless leader, of her sentiment ; one to steady the heart of his State, and 
yet to stimulate the central Government in the path of justice. 

She wanted a man of experience in statesmanship ; one whose ability to 
grasp the various interests of the pubhc good should be equalled only by an 
energy which could accomplish the enormous work thrown upon him ; one 
who, in any exigency, would dare take responsibility, yet with reverence for 
the rights of the people ; one who would bear in his heart her constant in- 
terests of agricultural and other industry, her gi-eat system of education, and 
her refoi-matory or penal or charitable institutions ; one who could carry 
her finances through an unprecedented strain ; and, added thereto, one who 
could, with firmness, energy, and delicacy, conduct those military measures 
which were to raise, equip, organize, and ofl&cer a force ten times as large as 
the then army of the United States. 

We recognize the hand of Providence in giving us such a man. We ap- 
preciate the able coadjutors in council and in the departments of the staff. 
We are grateful for the vast work done, and so well done. To have been 
the Governor of Massachusetts for five such years — called by the spon- 
4 



26 MASSACmrSETTS IX THE BEBELLIOX. 

taneous voice of the people, and eontinueil bj re-elections (^ these most mo- 
mentous years since those of the Eevolution) — is enough for the patriotic 
ambition of any man. To have been such a governor, that the reader of the 
c-ountry's history inevitably turns to Massachusetts, and. turning to Massa- 
chusetts, inevitably sees foremost the name of its chief magistrate, ennobles 
a man in history. In such a term of service, there is a manifest complete- 
ness. It began when the clouds were lowering : it ends with the skies clear. 
The work accomplished was one work : it c-overs a great period in history. 

Sir, if I venture to address you directly, it is because I know peculiarly 
vour care for Massachusetts soldiers. The camp where I first learned any 
thing of soldiery, in the dark spring of 1S61, bore the name of Camp 
Andrew : and. with some of the men who left that a solitude, I heard you 
wek-ome the flags home again. By your wise forethought, men were re- 
equipped for the midnight summons to the defence of the capital. When 
you asked that the bodies of her martyrs should be " tenderly " c-ared for, 
you touched the heart of Massachusetts. In all the struggle, the soldiers 
you sent iato the field were equipped, I know, as none others were. Their 
wives and children were sheltered as none others. Their officers were se- 
lected with a care unequalled. In times of disaster, I saw the men and the 
helps which you sent. I met your agents in remote cities, faithfol to our 
men. I saw the messengers you sent into the field itself to hghten their 
hardships. You were never weary in advancing their interests, and redress- 
ing their grievanc-es. Year by year I read your words, stirring the s<>ul like 
a blast from a Puritan trumpet, to our men, as we observed, in Virginia or 
Teimessee, the fest and festival days of our home. You welcomed back the 
soldiers ; you received with honor the flags, and promised that they should 
be faithfolly guarded ; you remembered the dead. 

Sir, the 3Iassachusetts soldiers owe you a debt of thanks. Let me, as one 
who has shared with them in the way of his duty, pledge you, not only for 
the love you bjre to them, but for the love you bore to that country which 
they love, their perpetual gratitude. 

You commit a prosperous commonwealth to the eminent citizen who suc- 
ceeds you; to the new Lieutenant-Governor, whose patriotic history has 
identified him with the people's interests ; to a councU whose names are a 
guarantv of wise advice ; to a legislature whose membership promises broad 
stateanansbip and wise legislation. K these officials and this legislature ever 
need any new inspirations of patriotism, let them, as they daily enter the 
Capitol, pause before the flags. Let them read the names of battles lost and 
won inscribed thereon. Let them read the story of hard-fought fields, more 
eloquently written in the torn, scarred, and pierc-ed remnants of the banners 
which once went out in their bright, fresh beauty. Let them remember the 
heroic dead and the maimed living. In any doubt, let them go to the silent 
flags, and as from an oracle drink in their inspiration, and in that inspira- 
tion learn to respect the rights, maintain the honor, and trust with confidence 
the principles, of a people who have heard the voice of God speaking out of 
the midst of fire, and live. 



PERSONAL SKETCH. 'It 

A personal friend of Gov. Andrew, formerly a member of his 
iiaff, contributes a sketch, which, while it is stronglj marked by 
the fervor of admiration, is yet just and appreciative. It is as 

follows : — 

A c<XDplete sketch c<f the late Gorenior would taax^insR a sofastantial faistncy 
:: Massaefaujetts in the Great BebdUon. The fiantest Kkcaieay b At&fn\t 
■ J obtain, for the same reason that it is impoaaUe to eondense snffidCTlly tlie 
rast mass <^ mateiiaL Glandng back to die eazly dajs of Fdvuary, 1861. 
wboi, amid the floats and je«s of the insedakias maae, he h^an Tigoroos 
preparations for the war his dear Tiaon sav impendb^ and hanymg at ttt- 
most speed down to the day wh»i the flags vae redefirered to him upon 
the steps of die State Hoose in Deeemher last, seaiee a gfrwpap. eoidd be 
a^^ded, within moderate hmitE, vi each of die many g^eat d^aitBKHts of 
actirity and lalxH- whidi this reaankaUe man's asadnoos energj iUnsoated 
daring his oScial tenn. The militaiy duties akne weie a%erwh AiHng, nor 
had he the prerioas training to fit the weigeye y mast eaaly : jet not onty 
woe diey most ^thfhlly and ably disehazged, but tbne was ^aied for the 
prepaiaticHi of addresses on agrieoltare, redcdent of the soil, and deli^itfnl to 
the sonl of the tMmer ; disipoatioras <m medieal "»«M^*^. vineh oppoaed thon- 
selves to the learning of die profesaon ; aigmnents of p ro fimu d reaeardi and 
sonnd h>gie upon di^mted qneslaHis of eonatitntional law ; beades the less 
stndied bat yet carelolly eonsidaed ntteianees, some <^ eonadenUe kiLitb 
and of Tery fieqn^it oecarrenee, by wfaidi he so ^eetavtiy and wneeasiL j 7 
preaehed at all seasons the great go^l of Xew-Ki^and ideas, and h 
the heart, and inspired anew the soul, cf the pecq^ of this Coaaaoc^ ^ ^ : _ 
during the <lark days of onr national tribiilaaDn. And no ooe who vi- ^ 
fiHtnnate as to have listened to him at some of dbeee wayade preaduEi 
now underrate thor Tafaie. Let any doobta' have seen tibat Tast mul: 
on the memorable Sunday, daring the war. at the earapineedng at Martha's 
Vineyard, when he arose, upcm request, to address the pec^e - ■ "lizi 
hare watched how their &ees ^wed as he went on ; how lus ban . ~ : .5 
of patriotie ardor fired thor hearts, and aetoally swayed dieir b 
&x as the blast of his earnest eloqnoiee swept OTcr dieiB, — and 
woold have been c^HiTioeed that h is hard to exa^oate the ii.: 
those winged words, wfaieh, like the seeds oi srane of our native t 
cast daily to the winds, to find lodgement in some Yankee heart. 
lay one feciet <^ his power, — a most warm, poedral, and sympathetie soul, 
which was continually a^w with ben^e»it and kindly thoo^ds, and r|nm 
log with the loftiest patriotism. Bis speedi was eam^t, and, in his bd- 
ments of special exaltation, earned an andimee away with him ly his mag^ 
nedc sympathy more eomjJrtety than any man I ever heard. But few le^ 
ments marehed horn the State that he did not inspire thdr parting mameats 
w:rh the teachings of purest loyalty, and derotkm to dior dsatj and their flag. 
Nor was his oBquenchalde vigor to be satisfied with such Tolimtary addition to 



28 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the already intolerable lead of daily official labor. Activity the most inces- 
sant was a leading characteridtic of a man who was ovei-worked if he never 
left his chair. Wherever his presence was needed, he was there ; and the 
extent of his official travel was to be computed by thousands of miles. Stern 
in the vindication of what he deemed essential principle, and immovable in 
defence of his assured convictions, he was the heartiest and kindest of friends, 
and inclined to indulge solicitation for his time to the very limits of his con- 
science. Utterly democratic in the fine sense, he never showed, nor proba- 
bly saw, any essential diflercnce between one man or another, whether black 
or white. Everybody could see him who wished ; and he attended person- 
ally to their stories, often at an apparently fixtal waste of time. No one ever 
was so poor or humble or degraded that he might not command this good 
magistrate to counsel, aid, or right him. But perhaps the trait from which 
as much of characteristic good may be traced as from any other was the all- 
pervading philanthropy of his mind. This element of character may be 
traced in°all directions. Imbued with the largest ideas of modern social 
science, he yet tempered tliem with shrewd common sense. Opposed to 
capital punishment as a system, he yet executed the laws. He was never 
weary in visiting prisons, penitentiaries, and poor-houses, to examine and 
care for the convicts. The down-trodden and oppressed, the poor woman 
and tender child, no matter how degraded or abandoned, found in him a con- 
stant friend. Indeed, it seemed to be in him an actual living recognition of 
the dio-nity of manhood, however abraded by hostile circumstance, — a 
hearty and practical belief in a true and universal brotherhood of man. 
Pressed by the same principle, his interest and ardor for the cause of good 
learning and general education never slumbered nor slept. The advance of 
pure science along the lofty paths of abstract speculation, and the first efforts 
of the untaught or ignorant, were neither above his view nor beneath his ' 
notice. From the primary school to the university, his persistent purpose to 
aid then- labors was felt. By his presence, by his speech, by recommenda- 
tions to the Legislature, and by never-failing interest in their welfare, he did 
as much as any man has done to promote the spread of intelligence and 
knowledge in the Commonwealth. He was thoroughly in grain a New-Eng- 
land man. He believed aljsolutely in our principles, our methods, training, 
and ideas. He had a wholesome smack of the soil of the region in his strong 
and shrewd talk, vivid sense of humor, and his liking, once in a while, for 
the racy anecdotes and peculiar wit, which, in their best form, are sometimes 
found scattered freely in New England. As a politician, he was truly brave ; 
never fearing to trust himself to the highest convictions, gqod sense, and 
sober second-thought, of the people, even when they seemed determined for a 
time to lead hmi from his plan of duty. 

Such was John A. Andrew, Governor of Massachusetts during 
the vrar of the Rebellion. 



CHAPTER III. 
SENATORS SUMNER AND WILSON. — EDWARD EVERETT. 

The Birth and early Education of Charles Sumner. _ Studies Law. -An Antislavery Man 
-Congressional and Public Life. - Henry Wilson's early Life. - Svmpathv with the 
Masses. -Antislavery Position. -His Prominence and Power in Con caress -War 
Measures. -Resolutions on the Rights of the Enfranchised and the Emancipation of 
the Enslaved. - Mr. Lveretfs Family History. _ Preparation for College. - Graduates 
- Studies Divinity.- Accepts Professorship. -Residence in Europe. -Political Life 
and Services. — Patriotism in the Civil War. — His Death. 

CHARLES SUMNER. 

CHARLES SUMNER is the son of Charles Pinkney Sumner 
formerly High Sheriff of Suffolk County ; and was born in' 
Boston, Jan. 6, 1811. 

^ His preparation for Harvard College was made in the Latin 
School of that city ; and he graduated in 1830, entering the Law 
School the next year. He contributed to the " American Jurist," 
and for some time was editor of that magazine. In 1834, he began 
practice in his profession, and was appointed reporter to the Cir- 
cuit Court. 

During the absence of Professors Greenleaf and Story from the 
Law Department of Harvard, Mr. Sumner gave lectures to the 
classes three winters, besides editing works on law. 

He sailed for Europe in 1837. While in Paris, at Mr. Cass's re- 
quest, he wrote a defence of the American claim to the North- 
eastern Boundary, —a discriminating and able effort. Again, in 
1843, he lectured in the Law School at Cambridge, and edited three 
years later an edition of Vescy's Reports, in twenty volumes. 

His political life may be said to have commenced in 1845, when 
he delivered a Fourth-of-July oration before the citizens of Boston 
on '^The True Grandeur of Nations," which attracted much at- 
tention, and led to much controversy. At this time, the relations 
of our Government and that of Mexico were very threatenino- in 
their nature ; and Mr. Sumner, with all tlie ardor of his smil 
argued against the ordeal of war. This address made a profound 
sensation in England ; and Richard Cobden, a name dear to every 

29 



30 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

true American heart, pronounced it to be " the most noble con- 
tribution made by any modern writer to the cause of peace," 

Mr. Sumner's career as the uncompromising champion of free- 
dom, the persistent foe of slavery, dates from the agitation of the 
question of tlie annexation of Texas. This he opposed on the 
ground of slavery ; and a speech of his in Faneuil Hall, Nov. 4, 
1845, was received with great enthusiasm. His strong and out- 
spoken course relative to what he considered the national sin and 
curse gradually led to his separation from the Whig party, and 
in 1848 he earnestly supported Van Buren as the Free-soil can- 
didate for the Pi-esidential chair. 

In 1850, Daniel Webster left the United-States Senate for a seat 
in Mr. Fillmore's Cabinet, and was succeeded by Mr. Sumner, 
who was elected by a coalition of Free-soilers and Democrats 
in the Massachusetts Legislature, after an excited and protracted 
contest. His sentiments at this time may be learned from his 
letter of acceptance of the senatorial office. After alluding to 
the interest the election of a senator awakened, and his apprecia- 
tion of the " duties which eclipsed the honors " of the office, he 
added, — 

I accept it as the servant of IMassachusetts, mindful of the sentiments sol- 
emnly uttered by her successive legislatures ; of the genius which inspires her 
history ; of the men, her perpetual pride and ornament, who breathed into 
her that breath of liberty which early made her an example to her sister 
States. In such a service, the way, though new to my footsteps, will be 
illumined by lights which cannot be missed. 

I accept it as the servant of the Union, bound to study and maintain with 
equally patriotic care the interests of all pai-ts of our country ; to discountenance 
every effort to loosen any of those bonds by which our fellowship as States is 
held in fraternal company ; and to oppose all sectionalism, whether it appear 
in unconstitutional efforts by the North to carry so great a boon as freedom 
into the slave States, or in unconstitutional efforts by the South, aided by 
Northern allies, to carry the sectional evil of slavery into the free States ; 
or in whatsoever efforts it may make to extend the sectional domination of 
slavery over the National Government. 

From that time to this, Mr. Sumner has been the head and 
front of the antislavery sentiment of the country, not by any 
means, as is sometimes urged, as a visionary enthusiast, borne be- 
yond all practical grounds by devotion to one idea ; but his argu- 
ments have been based upon high moral and historical truths ; 
and the measures he has advocated, and almost uniformly tri- 



CHARLES SUMNER. 31 

urapliantly carried, have always been found in strict accordance 
with the Constitution of the United States. 

His Congressional life opened with his speech in support of his 
motion for the repeal of the Fugitive-slave Law, Aug. 26, 1852 • 
and since that time his efforts for the abolition of slavery, and 
for the elevation of the colored race, have been unwearied. This 
speech, whose theme was the then new one of " freedom national, 
slavery sectional," was met by that bitter opposition which fol- 
lowed him in the Senate, till the Rebellion purged it of the irri- 
tating element of the slave-power. The spirit with which Mr. 
Sumner entered upon this great speech is well shown in a para- 
graph from his remarks, on presenting the memorial from the 
Friends, which gave him the opportunity to present his views : — 

I bespeak the clear and candid attention of the Senate while I undertake 
to set forth frankly and fully, and with entire respect for this body, convic- 
tions, deeply cherished in my own State, though disregarded here, to which 
I am bound by every sentiment of the heart, by every fibre of my being, by 
all my devotion to country, by my love of God and man. But upon these 
I do not now enter. Suffice it for the present to say, that, when I shall un- 
dertake that service, I beheve I shall utter nothing which, in any just sense, 
can be called sectional, unless the Constitution is sectional, and unless the 
sentiments of the fathers were sectional. It is my happiness to believe, and 
my hope to be able to show, that according to the true spirit of the Constitu- 
tion, and according to the sentiments of the fathers, freedom, and not slave- 
ry, is NATIONAL ; while slavery, and not freedom, is sectional. In duty 
to the petitioners, and with the hope of promoting their prayer, I move the 
reference of their petition to the Committee on the Judiciary. 

But, while liberty and equal rights lay nearest his heart, Mr. 
Sumner was alive to all the important measures before Congress ; 
and the record of no senator shows a more varied labor than his. 
Those were times when it required both moral and physical cour- 
age to speak and act boldly against the arrogant claims and as- 
sumptions of the slave-power. But he never shrank from duty; 
and, when others quailed and faltered, he always stood firm, with 
his face to the foe, and armed with a wealth of learning, and a 
power of utterance, which made liim, even single-handed, a fear- 
ful antagonist. 

The history of the Fugitive-slave Bill well illustrates Mr. Sum- 
ner's character. From the day, in August, 1852, when he moved 
its repeal, until the day when it was wiped from the records of 
the nation, he never lost sight of the end in Viqw. Although 



32 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

never neglecting any important subject which seemed to require 
his attention, and in the mean time originating, and carrying to a 
successful issue, measures of vital interest to the nation, he 
worked persistently on until he saw the bill repealed ; his speech 
being the last one made upon it. He was emphatically the Alpha 
and Omega of the glorious work, which of itself, for one man, 
might be esteemed a sufficient honor. 

It is well to notice in this connection, that in his report on 
the fugitive-slave acts, submitted in March, 1864, he took the 
ground, that, in annulling these statutes. Congress simply with- 
drew an irrational support from slavery. It thus did nothing 
against slavery, but merely refused to do any thing for it. 

Mr. Sumner's last speech on the repeal of the Missouri Com- 
promise, which occupied two days in its delivery (May 19 and 
20, 1856), was a masterly elTort. It was afterwards printed under 
the title of " The Crime against Kansas," had a wide circulation, 
and was very influential in moulding and consolidating public 
sentiment at the North. But, if it was a memoralde speech for 
the cause of freedom, it was none the less so in relation to its dis- 
tinguished author. Preston S. Brooks, a member of Congress 
from South Carolina, whose name goes down to posterity covered 
with infamy, being greatly enraged at some passages in the speech, 
attacked Mr. Sumner with a cane, as he sat at his desk writing, 
and in a totally defenceless condition, and beat him upon the head 
till he fell to the floor insensible. It was four years before he 
recovered from the injuries and returned to the Senate. Il-e was 
unable to attend to any public duties ; went to Europe twice by 
advice of physicians, and there submitted to very severe treat- 
ment, which ultimately resulted in his complete restoration to 
health. In the mean time, his term of office had expired ; but he 
was re-elected (January, 1857) by a unanimous vote in the Sen- 
ate of Massachusetts, and only seven dissenting votes in the 
House. 

Nothing daunted by his bitter experiences, but only the more 
imbiied with a sense of the utter corruption of the system of 
American slavery, his first great effort after resuming his seat in 
the Senate was the celebrated speech entitled " The Barbarism 
of Slavery," — one of the most elaborate and carefully fortified 
speeches ever made in Congress, and which had a truly terrific 
eSect in that body, and shook the whole country to its centre. 

The truth had never before been clearly set forth by a fearless 
tongue ; and, although at the time many thought the speech ill- 



CHARLES SUMNER. 33 

advised and too severe, the stern logic of events has shown that 
the champion of liberty knew his position, and was making ready 
for a coming storm. He did his duty, and the verdict of all loyal 
men now sustains him. In an address delivered by him at a fes- 
tival in Plymouth, Mass., in commemoration of tlie embarkation 
of the Pilgrims, is an eloquent passage, which well illustrates his 
principles of action. He says, — 

All will confess the true grandeur of their example, while, in the vindica- 
tion of a cherished principle, they stood alone against the madness of men, 
against the law of their land, against their king. Better be the despised Pil- 
grim, a fugitive for freedom, than the halting politician, forgetful of principle, 
" with a Senate at his heels " ! 

Such is the voice of Plymouth Rock as it salutes my ears. Otliers may 
not bear it ; but to me it comes in tones which I cannot mistake. I catch 
its words of noble cheer : — 

" New occasions teach new duties: time nvakes ancirnt gooi unconth. 
They must upward still and onward who would keep abreast of Truth: 
Lo, before us orleam her camp-fires I We ourselves must jjilgrims be. 
Launch our ' Mayflower,' aud steer boldly through the desperate winter sea." 

A single remark of Mr. Sumner's will also indicate the moving 
principles of his life, alas ! too rarely to be found among our great 
men. When the conflict over the Nebraska Bill in 1853-54 was 
waxing hot, one of its most eminent supj)orters said to him, " I 
would not go through all that you do on this nigger question 
for all the offices and honors of the country." Mr. Sumner 
replied, " Nor would I for all the offices and honors of the 
country ! " 

No : he was, and is, actuated by higher motives than the honors 
and emoluments of office. He labors that justice may be vindi- 
cated, as a paragraph from a speech in New- York City (Nov. 27, 
1861) eloquently demonstrates. It is this : — 

. Amidst all the perils which now surround us, there is one only which I 
dread. It is the peril which comes from some new surrender to slavery, 
some fresh recognition of its power, some present dalliance with its intolera- 
ble pretensions. Worse than any defeat, or even the flight of an army, 
would be such abandonment of principle. From all such peril, good Lord, 
deliver us ! And there is one vmy of safety, clear as sunlight, pleasant as 
the paths of peace. Over its broad and open gate is written simply. 
Justice. There is victory in that word. Do justice, and you will be 
twice blessed ; for so you will subdue the rebel master while you elevate the 
slave. Do justice frankly, generously, nobly, and you will find strength 
6 



34 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

instead of weakness ; -while all seeming responsibility will disappear in obedi- 
ence to God's everlasting law. Do justice, though the heavens fall ; but 
they will not fall.- Every act of justice becomes a new pillar of the universe, 
or, it may be, a new link of that 

" Golden, everlasting chain. 
Whose strong embrace holds heaven and earth and main." 

Mr. Sumner's great speech at Worcester, Oct. 1, 18G1, was one 
of liis most effective efforts ; and the principles then advanced 
and sustained now seem to breathe of inspiration and prophecy. 
Here he first publicly urged emancipation as a war measure ; and 
let us bear in mind that to utter such sentiments then was a vastly 
different matter from what it was a few months later. To do it 
imperilled a man's political position ; but then, as always before, 
and ever since, Mr. Sumner held to his high moral standard, and 
never allowed questions of expediency to modify his words or his 
deeds. He is the inflexible foe of all compromises : he decides 
upon what is purely right, and acts accordingly. 

A few sentences from his speech at Worcester will indicate its 
character : — 

It is often said that the war will make an end of slavery. This is proba- 
ble ; but it is surer still, that the overthroiv of slavery will at once make an 
end of the xoar. 

If I am correct in this statement, which I believe is beyond question, then 
do reason, justice, and policy all unite in declaring that the war must be 
brought to boar directly on the grand conspirator and omnipresent enemy. 
Not to do this is to take upon ourselves in the present contest all the weak- 
ness of slaVery, while we leave to the rebels its boasted resources of military 
strength. Not to do this is to squander life and treasure in a vain masquerade 
of battle, which can have no practical result. Not to do this is blindly to 
neglect the plainest dictates of economy, humanity, and common sense, and, 
alas ! simply to let slip the dogs of war on a mad chase over the land, never 
to stop until spent with fatigue or sated with slaughter. Believe me, fellow- 
citizens, I know all the imagined difficulties and unquestioned responsibilities 
of this suggestion. But, if you are in earnest, the difficulties will at once dis- 
appear, and the responsiljilities are such as you will gladly bear. This is not 
the first time that a knot hard to untie has been cut by the sword ; and we 
all know that danger flees before the brave man. Believe that j^ou can, 
and you can. The will only is needed. Courage, now, is the highest 
prudence. It is not necessary even, according to a familiar phrase, to carry 
the war into Africa : it will be enough if we carry Africa into the war, — 
in any form, any quantity, any way. 

But there is another agency that may be invoked, which is at the same 



CHARLES SUMNER. 35 

time under the Constitution, and above the Constitution : I mean martial 
law. It is under the Constitution, because the war power to which it be- 
longs is positively recognized by the Constitution. It Ls above the Constitu- 
tion, because, when set in motion, like necessity, it knows no other law. For 
the time, it is law and constitution. The civil power, in mass and in detail, 
is superseded, and all rights are held subordinate to this military magistracy. 
All other agencies, small and great, executive, legislative, and even judicial, 
are absorbed in this transcendent triune power, which, for the time, declares 
its absolute will, while it holds alike the scales of justice and the sword of the 
executioner. The existence of this power nobody questions. If it has been 
rarely exercised in our country, and never in an extended manner, the power 
none the loss has a fixed place in our political system. As well strike out 
the kindred law of self-defence which belongs alike to States and individuals. 
Martial law is only one form of self-defence. 

Massachusetts will be false to herself if she fails at this moment. And 
yet I would not be misunderstood. Feeling most profoundly that there is 
now an opportunity, such as rarely occurs in human annals, for incalculable 
good ; seeing clearly that there is one spot, like the heel of Achilles, where 
this great Hebellion may be wounded to death, — I calmly deliver tlie whole 
question to the judgment of those on whom the responsibility rests, eon- 
tenting myself with reminding you that there arc times when not to act car- 
ries with it a greater responsibility than to act. it is enough for us to review 
the unquestioned powers of the Government, to handle for a moment its 
mighty weapons which are yet allowed to slumber, without assuming to de- 
clare that the hour has come when they shall flash against the sky. 

But may a good Providence save ovir Government from that everlasting 
regret which must ensue if a great 0])portunity is lost by which all the bleed- 
ing wounds of war shall be stanched, — by which prosperity shall be again 
established, and Peace be made immortal in the embrace of Liberty ! Saul 
was cursed for not hewing Agag in pieces when in his hands, and Ahab was 
cursed for not destroying Benhadad. Let no such curses ever descend upon us. 

Fellow-citizens, I have spoken frankly ; for such has always been my 
habit. And never was there greater need of frankness. Let patriots under- 
stand each other, and they cannot widely differ. All will unite in whatever is 
required by the sovereign exigencies of self-defence ; all will unite in sus- 
tainino; the Government, and in diivinsr back the rebels. But this cannot be 
done by any half-way measures or by any lukewarm conduct. Do not 
hearken to the voice of slavery, no matter what its tones of persuasion. It 
is the gigantic traitor, not for a moment to be trusted. Believe me, its 
friendship is more deadly than its enmity. If you are wise, prudent, eco- 
nomical, conservative, practical, you will strike quick and hard ; strike, too, 
where the blow will be most felt ; strike at the main-spring of the Rebellion ; 
strike in the name of the Union, wliich only in this way can be restored; 
in the name of Peace, which is vain without Union ; and in the name of Lil> 
erty also, sure to bring both Peace and Union in her glorious train. 



36 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE ItEBELLIOX. 

His speech at Worcester was followed by one on the 6th of the 
same month, in Faneuil Hall, on the policy and necessity of eman- 
cipation as a war measure. We cannot refrain from quoting a few 
passages : — 

If the instincts of patriotism did not prompt this support, I should find a 
sufficient motive in that duty which we all owe to the Supreme Ruler, God 
Almighty, whose visitations upon our country are now so fearful. Not rashly 
would I make myself the interpreter of his will ; and yet I am not blind. 
According to a venerable maxim of jurisprudence, "Whoso would have equity 
must do equity ; " and God plainly requires equity at our hands. We cannot 
expect success while we set at nought this requirement, proclaimed in his 
divine character, in the dictates of reason, and in the examj^les of history; 
proclaimed also in all the events of this protracted war. Great judgments 
have fallen upon the country, plagues have been let loose, rivers have been 
turned into blood ; and there is a great cry throughout the land, for there is 
not a house where there is not one dead ; and at each judgment we seem to 
hear that terrible voice which sounded in the ears of Pharaoh, " Tims 
saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my jieople go, that they may serve 
me." I know not how others are touched ; but I cannot listen to the fre- 
quent tidings of calamity to our arms, of a noble soldier lost to his country, 
of a bereavement in a family, of a youthful son brought home dead to his 
mother, without catching the warning, "Let my people go." Nay, every 
wound, every sorrow, every hardship, all that we are compelled to bear in 
taxation, in want, in derangement of business, has a voice, saying, " Let my 
people go." 

And now, thank God ! the word has been spoken : a greater word was 
never spoken. Emancipation has begun, and our country is already elevated 
and glorified. The war in which we are now engaged has not changed in 
object; but it has changed in character. Its object now, as at the beginning, 
is simply to put down the Rebellion ; but its character is derived from the new 
force at last enlisted, which must not only stamp itself upon all that is done, 
but absorb the whole war to itself, even as the rod of Aaron swallowed up all 
other rods. Vain will it be again to delude European nations into the foolish 
belief that slavery has nothing to do with the war ; that it is a war for empu-e 
on one side, and independence on the other ; and that all generous ideas are 
on the side of the Rebellion. And vain also will be that other European ciy, 
whether from an intemperate press or the cautious lips of statesmen, that 
separation is inevitable, and that our Government is doomed to witness the 
dismemberment of the Republic. With this new alliance, all such forebod- 
ings will be falsified ; the wishes of the fiithcrs will be fulfilled ; and those 
rights of human nature, which were the declared object of our Revolution, 
will be vindicated. Thus inspired, the sword of Washington — that sword, 
which, according to his last will and testament, was to be drawn only in self- 
defence, or in defence of country and its rights — will once more marshal our 



CHARLES SUMNER. ' 37 

armies of victory ; while our flag, wlierever it floats, will give freedom to all 
beneath its folds, and its proud inscription will be at last triumphantly veri- 
fied, " Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable." 

In this speech, in a few sentences of self-vindication, he made a 
quotation from Burke (and his speeches are peculiarly rich in 
English and classical allusions and quotations), but omitted a 
few closing words, which added nothing to the force of the sen- 
tence, nor affected the sentiment. Some newspaper critic, being 
destitute cither of the fairness, or perhaps ability, to detect the 
true force of the extract, and whose party prejudices were strong, 
thought he had caught the senator in a wilful misquotation ; and 
the accusation was echoed by partisans. In the pamphlet edition 
of the speech, afterward issued, the whole sentence is given, and Mr. 
Sumner's honesty clearly vindicated. Not long since, in familiar 
private conversation, the subject was alluded to ; and Mr. Sumner 
emphatically remarked, " Before God, I never knowingly sacri- 
ficed truth or honesty to carry any political ends; let them fall 
first ; " and the gentleman to whom he spoke will never forget 
the expression of earnestness, solemnity, and of felt injustice, 
which marked his countenance. 

When the civil war commenced, Mr. Sumner saw the doom of 
slavery at hand, and devoted his energies to the work of hastening 
the removal of the cause of the Rebellion. There was perhaps no 
scene of more suggestive and exciting character during the early 
part of the Rebellion than that when Mr. Sumner read before the 
Senate, in the spring of 18G1, the autograph letter of Andrew Jack- 
son, in which he declared that the next pretext for dissolving the 
Union by the South would be negro slavery. 

The Southern senators had not vacated their seats at that time; 
and when Mr. Sumner held the document in his hand, and chal- 
lenged examination of its authenticity, there were frowns, silent 
handling of the precious manuscript, and a sensation so profound, 
that the venerable Mr. Blair remarked that secession could never 
recover from the deadly blow of Andrew Jackson's prophetic hand. 

Months before the war began, Mr. Sumner remarked that slavery 
was near its end. He saw the clouds gathering whose bolts would 
destroy it forever : the abnormal condition of affairs in a republi- 
can government must cease ; and in Congress, privately with 
\. t^esident, and in public services, he labored assiduously, and 
with great effect, toward the accomplishment of the desired end, 



38 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

— the termination of slavery. The careful, or in fact the casual 
student of our country's history during the \yar will find Mr. 
Sumner a prominent and always efficient actor in every scheme 
which bore upon the true interests of the nation, and will be sur- 
prised to see how many of these important measures were origi- 
nated by him, and to a great extent dependent upon him for 
their final success. Tlie public will always, and naturally, look 
with gratitude upon Mr. Sumner's herculean labors in Congress ; 
bxit he regards his greatest usefulness in the late conflict to be 
that of which the country knows the least, — his constant in- 
timacy with Mr. Lincoln, and constantly pressing upon him eman- 
cipation as the means for crushing the Rebellion. He did not then 
press it on moral grounds at all. He first urged emancipation 
as a war measure upon the President the day after the battle of 
Bull Run, and ceased not till the proclamation was sounded over 
the land. The unrestrained intercourse Mr. Lincoln enjoyed with 
him declared very emphatically his confidence not only in Mr. 
Sumner's ability and honesty, but in his practical power. The 
President could not endure for a moment mere speculations or 
theories ; and yet he made the senator his most frequent and 
confidential adviser. 

Mr. Sumner once remarked in conversation with a friend, — 

I was always honest and very plain with JMr. Lincoln ; but he never 
allowed difference of opinion, or frankness, to interrupt our familiar and con- 
fidential intercourse. 

Li illustration, he referred to his defeat of the President's 
" pet proposition" for admitting Louisiana, when even his friends 
assured him that he had made a great mistake, and his enemies 
rejoiced over the prospect of alienation and separation between the 
noble friends. On the contrary, Mr. Lincoln soon after asked his 
attendance on the occasion of the inauguration-festivities, sending 
his own carriage for him, and taking pains to convince the mixed 
assemblage of political friends and foes that Mr. Sumner retained 
his luidiminished confidence and regard. 

On the last week of Mr. Lincoln's life, he said to Mr. Sumner, 
" There is no person with whom I have more advised through- 
out my administration than with yourself," — a remark he re- 
peated to others. 

It is impossible, in the brief outline to which we are limited, to 
give any more than a glance at Mr. Sumner's Congressional labors. 

Among the measures originated and carried through by him 



CHARLES SUMNER. 39 

was eiuancipatioii in tlie District of Columbia. The repeal, which 
had been purposed, of the " Black Laws " (so called) of the Dis- 
trict, did not, in his mind, reach the evil. They were but the out- 
growth of slavery : destroy it^ and the source of mischief is eradi- 
cated. Upon this basis of action he successfully labored. Mr. 
Sumner's tact in dealing with difficult questions is well illustrated 
in the progress of this measure through Congress. An appropria- 
tion of money was necessary to affect the emancipation. The 
amount required was comparatively small : but the shrewd sena- 
tor was unwilling to establish a precedent for the purchase of 
slaves as the means of their emancipation, as it might embarrass 
the grand project of national freedom ; and besides, he felt that 
true justice would give such money to the slave, rather than to the 
master. This last idea was not, however, to be taken into con- 
sideration as any thing feasible. Mr. Sumner therefore termed 
the million dollars required ransom .inoway, — money paid as the 
only means by which the desired end could be accomplished, but 
not a precedent, or right and title, to such action in future. It 
was ransom versus compensation ; and, in support of this posi- 
tion, he brought forward the case of the Algorine captives, — 
Americans made white slaves in Algiers, — who were ransomed 
by our Government, not bought. His speech on this subject 
(March 31, 1862) has points of great interest. 

Mr. Sumner's speech on confiscation and the liberation of 
slaves (May 19, 1862) was one of his ablest and most exhaustive 
efforts ; and so thorough and elaborate was its treatment of the 
difficult subject, that the Attorney-General of the United States 
remarked to him, that, for a long time, he carried it about with him 
in his pocket for study and reference. 

We quote the closing paragraphs on emancipation to illustrate 
both his positions, and manner of presenting them : — 

Vattel says, that, iu his day, a soldier would not dare to boast of having 
killed the enemy's king ; and there seems to be a similar timidity on our part 
towards slavery, which is our enemy's king. If this king were removed, 
tranquillity would reign. Charles XII. of Sweden did not hesitate to say 
that the cannoneers were perfectly right in directing their shots at him ; for 
that the war would be at an instant end if they could kill him, whereas they 
would reap little from killing his principal officers. There is no shot in this 
war so effective as one against slavery, which is king above all officers ; nor 
is there any better augury of complete success than the willingness, at last, 
to fire upon this wicked king. But there are illusions, through which slavery 
has become strong, that must be abandoned. 



40 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLIOX. 

The slaves of rebels cannot be regarded as property, real or personal 
Though claimed as property by their masters, and though too often recog- 
nized as such by individuals in the Government, it is the glory of om- Consti- 
tution that it treats slaves alwiiys as " persons." At home, beneath the lash 
and local laws, they may be chattels ; but they are known to our Constitu- 
tion only as men. In this simple an'd indisputable fact there is a distinction, 
clear as justice itself, between the pretended property in slaves and all other 
property, real or personal. Being men, they are bound to allegiance, and 
entitled to reciprocal protection. It only remains that a proper appeal should 
be made to their natural and instinctive loyalty ; nor can any pretended 
property of their masters supersede this claim, I will not say of eminent do- 
main, but of eminent power, inherent in the National Grovemment, which, at 
all times, has a right to the services of all. In declaring the slaves free, you 
will at once do more than in any other way, whether to conquer, to pacify, to 
punish, or to bless. You will take from the Rebellion its mainspring of ac- 
tivity and strength ; you will stop its chief source of provisions and supplies ; 
you will remove a motive and temptation to prolonged resistance ; and you 
will destroy forever that disturbing intluenee, which, so long as it is allowed to 
exist, will keep this land a volcano, ever ready to break forth anew. But, 
whUe accomplishing this work, you will at the same time do an act of wise 
economy, giving new value to all the lands of slavery, and opening untold 
springs of wealth ; and you will also do an act of justice destined to raise our 
national name more than any triumph of war or any skill in peace. God in 
his beneficence offers, to nations as to individuals, opportunity, opportunity, 
OPPOETUN'iTY, which, of all things, is most to be desired. Never before in 
history has he offered such as is now ours. Do not fail to seize it. The 
blow with which we smite an accursed rebellion will at the same time enrich 
and bless ; nor is there any prosperity or happiness which it will not scatter 
abundantly throughout the land. And such an act will be an epoch mark- 
ing the change from barbarism to civilization. By the old rights of war, still 
prevalent in Africa, freemen were made slaves ; but, by the rights of war 
which I ask you to declare, slaves will be made freemen. 

Mr. President, if you seek indemnity for the past and security for the 
fature, if you seek the national unity under the Constitution of the United 
States, here is the way in which all these can be surely obtained. Strike 
down the leaders of the Rebellion, and lift up the slaves. 

" To tame the proud, the fettered slave to free, 
These are imperial arts, and worthy thee." 

Then will there be an indemnity for the past such as no nation ever before 
was able to win, and there will be a security for the future such as no nation 
ever before enjoyed, while the Republic, glorified and strengthened, will be 
assured forever, one and indivisible. 

Mr. Sumner's iiistruinentalitj in securing equality before the law 
in the United-States courts, so that " there shall be no exclusion 



CUARLES SUMXER. 41 

of any witness on account of color," and his bill abolishing for- 
ever the coastwise (inter - State) slave - trade, were important 
steps in the grand march of free principles ; and, by these and 
other measures touching salient points in the workings of sla- 
very, he hoped, to use his own expression, "to girdle the tree," 
and thus, if direct efforts failed, effect the downfall of the 
system. 

The securing the passage of a bill, that colored persons sliould 
not be excluded from the horse-cars in Washington, was impor- 
tant in paving the way to equal suffrage. Never was Mr. Sum- 
ner's persistency more clearly shown than on the passage of this 
bill. He was defeated six or eight times before he carried it. He 
lost it several times in its first stage, in the Senate, in the House ; 
and finally triumphed. It was in this connection that Senator 
Hendricks of Indiana, probably the best speaker on the Demo- 
cratic side of the Senate, made a brief but sharp and good- 
natured speech, setthig forth the utter folly of attempting to 
thwart the Massachusetts senator when he had a point to carry ; 
for, in spite of all opposition, he was sure in some way to gain 
his ends. 

To Mr. Sumner the country is indebted for the Freedmen's 
Bureau Bill, which he justly considers as one of his most impor- 
tant national services : and well he may ; for, even while we write, 
it is the only protection vouchsafed to the freedmen of the South, 
— the only thing which saves them from new oppressions and 
injustice. 

It is well to remember, that in February, 1865, Mr. Sum- 
ner introduced and triumphantly carried the following reso- 
lution : — 

Whereas certain persons have put in cu-culation the report, that, on the 
suppression of the Rebellion, the rebel debt, or loan, may be recognized in 
whole or in part by the United States ; and whereas such report is calculated 
to give a false value to such debt, or loan : therefore 

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
That Congress hereby declares that the rebel debt, or loan, is simply an 
agency of the Rebellion, wldch the United States can never, under any cir- 
cumstances, recognize in any part or in any way. 

This timely and pertinent bill had a great effect upon our 
finances abroad, and also depressed the rebel loan. Mr. Sum- 
ner's reasons for introducing this resolution at this particular 
time were based upon statements made by some of his foreign cor- 

6 



42 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

respondents, to the effect that the Rebel Government was aiding 
its foreign loan by representing that it was tlie safest investment 
in the market, as, if the Confederacy succeeded in establishing 
itself, it would, of course, be paid ; and if, on the other hand, the 
Rebellion should fail, the United-States Government would assume 
the rebel debts. In his own words to a friend, in private conver- 
sation, " the resolution effectually pricked this bubble." 

Through the whole of Mr. Lincoln's administration, Mr. Sum- 
ner was Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, — the 
most honorable and important in the Senate ; and this position he 
still holds. His comprehensive and enlightened views, his inflexi- 
ble love of right, and the high respect in which he is held by the 
foreign governments, have enabled him to be mainly instrumental 
in establishing and maintaining a high tone of international in- 
tercourse, and to vindicate the policy of our Government in a tri- 
umphant manner. His peculiar fitness for this responsible situa- 
tion is acknowledged even by those politically opposed to him. A 
Democratic member of the committee once remarked during a 
session, after the chairman had set forth some matter of interest 
touching our foreign intercourse, " Until our chairman gets upon 
the negro question, there is no gentleman to whom I listen with 
greater pleasure, or follow more willingly." 

When the mind recurs to the many intricate and delicate ques- 
tions affecting our relations to other governments, which were con- 
tinually arising during the war, the great difficulty and impor- 
tance of Mr. Sumner's position is easily seen. 

The co-operative labors of Lord Lyons (the English minister) 
and himself on the mutual right of search, and the suppression of 
the slave-trade, were a source of great pleasure to both parties : 
and, at the successful conclusion of the whole matter, Mr. Sum- 
ner remarked that he never saw Lord Lyons so exultant or in 
such high spirits ; and they dined together at the house of the 
English minister in honor of the occasion. To those who would 
learn of Mr. Sumner's intimate acquaintance with all points of 
international law, his speech on Our Foreign Relations (Sept. 10, 
1863) will be full of interest. Competent judges have pro- 
nounced it the most carefully elaborated speech ever made in the 
country. So important was it considered to be in England, that 
Lord John Russell publicly attempted to reply to it, — the only 
instance of the kind on the English hustings. Mr. Sumner's 
views on the Slidell and Mason case were very forcibly presented ; 
and even his friends were astonished at the knowledge he displayed 



CHARLES SUMNER. 45 

of the laws of nations. His views differed from Mr. Seward's, 
and by many were considered to be clearer. 

The resolutions of Congress upon Foreign Mediation (passed 
March 3, 1863), which fixed the foreign policy of our Govern- 
ment, were drawn up, advanced, and carried by Mr. Simmer, and 
are in every way remarkable. His fame might rest upon them.* 
Dr. Leiber, the celebrated publicist, remarked, in reference to 
these resolutions, " I profess to be familiar with public papers ; 
but I have never met with any thing comparable to this." 

As a purely senatorial effort, Mr. Sumner's admirers point to 
his celebrated speech on Retaliation. He was much excited at 
the time ; and, though tlie subject was fully in mind, the speech 
was an off-hand effort, and was pronounced with a vigorous and 
earnest eloquence that was overpowering ; and, at its conclusion, 
he received the personal congratulations of the majority of the 
senators. 

Another important paper drawn by our distinguished senator 
was the notice of the termination of the Reciprocity Treaty ; but 
it is impossible even to touch upon his many national services, 
whether pertaining to the great desire of his life, — equal riglits 
for all, — or to other subjects of public interest and welfare. The 
way-marks of his untiring activity are so numerous as to astonish 
even those who are most familiar with his unparalleled industry. 
It is safe to say, that Mr. Sumner seems almost equally at home 
upon all subjects affecting either our domestic or foreign rela- 
tions. Thus financial questions would, to one not familiar with 
his mental characteristics, seem to be wholly outside the range of 
his thouglits, being too material and business-like ; but he was on 
the most intimate terms with Mr. Chase while he was Secretary 
of the Treasuiy, and his opinions were sought with eagerness, 
while his speech on " legal tender " would have been an honor 
to the ablest professed financier, and " turned the vote " in Con- 
gress, — a very unusual occurrence in a debate where men's 
minds are generally fully settled. 

An incident will illustrate Mr. Sumner's promptness to seize 
vipon and fasten great points. On the morning after the passage, 
in the House of Representatives, of tlie constitutional amendment 
abolishing slavery (Fel)ruary, 1865), he moved the admission of a 
colored lawyer to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. 
The speeches were brief on the occasion. Addressing the Chief 
Justice, the senator said, — 

* McPherson's History of the Rebellion, pp. 346, 347. 



48 JfASSACHUSZTTS IS THE REBELLIOX. 

Mav h plene jour Honor, I present to the court John S. Rock, Esq., 
eouBsdlor at kw in the S(^«ne Court d Massadniseds, and move that 
be Iw admitted as a ecwnsellar rf the court. 

The CMef Justice, bowing, said. — 

Le: him c-:-me fjnrari and take the usual oaths. 

The oaihs were then administered. 

Several months afterward. Mr. Sumner remarked. — 

Tboi and th»e tumbled die Dred Seott decision. 

There is no sf«ace to prolong this imperfect sketch : and the his- 
toiT of the past few years must be studied minutely by those who 
w<Hild know fully Uie character and services of this eminent 
man. Such study wiU show him to be far from a mere theorist ; 
and the Congressional records are convincing evidence that his 
voice and vote have been ready upon almost every subject brought 
up for action. 

The reason why he has ever been called a theorist, with such her- 
culean, intensely practical labors, we beheve to be on account of 
the region of high moral principle to which he rises in liis discus- 
sions. It must seem theoretical and out of place, to men who 
know no ethics in political life but expediency and party ends, 
when a senator appeals to the " higher law," and bases his re- 
solves and 5i>eeches upon the principles of eternal right and 
justice. 

Mr. Simmer's influence in foreign lands is probably not sur- 
passed by that of any man in tlie nation. His culture, his elo- 
quence, and his consistent and powerful advocacy of human 
rights, have won for him the highest respect. At home, he is 
equally honored for his consistency and sincerity in all of his offi- 
cial duties and social relations. K he made mistakes on the 
floor of the Senate, they were the expression of feeling intensified 
by familiar contact with the enemies of freedom North and South. 
Dignified in personal presence, strong in argument, and with a 
moral sense which recoils fmrn aU compromises of principle for 
political ends. Charles Sumner will hold his rank in history fore- 
most among the great and good men of the nation appointed by 
God to stand up for imperilled right, and to smite bravely and 
fatally wrongs which long flourished under the protection of law. 



EZXBY TTILSOS'. 45 



HON. HZXBT vrjLSOy. 

During the Great CivU War, few public men, if anv, have ren- 
dered more important services to the country than TTfv p.v Wil- 
sox. Alike in victory and defeat, his wor«is have been utterances 
of faith and hope : his acts have been deeds of patriotism and 
freedom, justice and humanity. His labors for the liberty and 
unity of the Republic have been unremitting and effective. His 
record is distinct and clear, reflecting honor upon the Common- 
wealth he represents, and placing his name among those entitled 
to receive the grateful remembrance of a regenerated nation. 

Senator Wilson was torn in Farmington. in the State of New 
Hampshire, on tiie 16th of February, 1812. Hi^ parents were 
in very humble circumstances ; and, at ten years of asre, he 
was apprenticed to a farmer till he was twenty-«3ne. On attaining 
his majority, he went to Xatick. Mass., and learned the trade of 
a shoemaker : at which emplovment he worked for nearly three 
years, until he had earned money enough, as he supposed, to 
secure himself a liberal education. In his speech in the Senate 
in 1858. in reply to Gov. Hammond of Soutli Carolina, who diar- 
acterized working men as •• mudsills," and asserted that the 
*' hireling manual laborers " who lived by daily toil were ** essei*- 
tially slaves," he alluded to his humble ori^n in these words : — 

Sir, I am the son of a '• hireling Tnaniial kborer," who, mth the frosts 
of sevemy winters on his brow, " iives by dailj labw." T, too, have " lived 
by dally labor.'' I, too, hare been a " hireling manual labcHer." Poraty 
cast its dark and ehUIing shadow over the home ol mj childhood ; and wxat 
was sometimes there, — an nnUdden goest. At the age of feai jBais, — to 
aid him who gave me bdng iii keeping the gaunt spectre frmn the hearth ol 
the mother who bore me, — I left the home of my boyhood, and wait fixdi to 
earn my bread by •' daily^ laibor." 

In the spring of 1S36. Mr. Wilson visited Washington : list^ied 
to the exciting debates : saw Pinckney's gag resolutions against the 
reception of antislavery petitions p»ass the House, and Calhoun's 
Incendiary Publication Bill pass the Senate by the casting vote of 
the Vice-President. He visited, too, Williams's slave-pen; saw 
men and women manacled, and sent to the Far South-west ; and he 
returned home with the tmalierable resolve ever to give voice and 
vote for the overthrow of slavery. This fixed purpose is the key 
to his whole political career, and by it his public course must be 



.«46 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

interpreted. To the policy of antislavery, he has ever, through 
the varied and shifting changes of political organizations, been 
steadfastly and consistently true. Returning to his native State, 
he entered Strafford Academy, and at the close of the term, at 
the public exhibition, maintained the affirmative of the question, 
" Ought Slavery to be abolished in the District of Columbia?" 
The word "abolitionist" was then a word of reproach. Little could 
he, or tliose who lieard him, suppose tliat he would introduce the 
bill that abolished slavery in the capital of the nation. In 1837, 
the young men of New Hampshire held an antislavery State con- 
vention at Concord. Mr. Wilson, then at the academy at Con- 
cord, was a delegate to that convention, and took an active part 
in its deliberations. 

Losing, by the failure of a friend to whom he had intrusted it, 
the money he had earned for the purpose of securing a liberal 
education, Mr. Wilson returned to Natick, taught school for a 
time, and then engaged in the shoe-manufacturing business, which 
he continued for several years. 

Mr. Wilson was a member of the Massachusetts House of Rep- 
resentatives in 1841 and 1842, and a member of the State Senate 
in 1844 and 1845. He took an active part in favor of the admis- 
sion of colored children into the public schools, the protectioii of 
colored seamen in South Carolina, and in opposition to the an- 
nexation of Texas. In the autumn of 1845, he got up a conven- 
tion in the county of Middlesex, at which a committee was ap- 
pointed, wliich obtained nearly a hundred thousand signatures to 
petitions against the admission of Texas as a slave State ; and, 
with the poet Whittier, was appointed a committee to carry the 
petitions to Washington. In 1846, Mr. Wilson was again a mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives. He introduced the resolu- 
tion declaring the continued opposition of Massachusetts " to the 
farther extension and longer existence of slavery in America," 
and made an elaborate speech in its favor, which was pronounced 
by Mr. Garrison, in " The Liberator," to be the most comprehen- 
sive and exhaustive speech on slavery ever made in any legisla- 
tive body in the United States. 

Mr. Wilson was a delegate to the Whig National Convention at 
Philadelphia in 1848 ; and on the rejection, by the convention, of 
the Wilmot Proviso, and the nomination of Gen. Taylor, he de- 
nounced its action, retired from it, returned home, and issued an 
address to the people of his district, vindicating his action. He 
purchased " The Boston Republican," the organ of the Freesoil 



HENRY WILSON. 47 

party in Massachusetts, and edited it for more than two years. In 
1850, Mr. Wilson was again a member of the Massachusetts 
House of Representatives, and tlie candidate of the Freesoil mem- 
bers for Speaker. He was the Chairman of the State Central 
Freesoil Committee ; was the originator and organizer of the cele- 
brated coalition between the Freesoil and Democratic parties 
which made Mr. Boutwell Governor in 1851 and 1852, and sent 
Mr. Rantoul and Mr. Sumner to the Senate of the United States. 
He was a member of the State Senate in 1851 and 1852, and 
President of that body in those years. In 1852, he was a delegate 
to the Freesoil National Convention at Pittsburg; was made 
President of the Convention, and Chairman of the National Com- 
mittee. Mr. Wilson was the Freesoil candidate for Congress in 
1852 ;^and though his party was in a minority, in the district, of 
nearly eight thousand, he was beaten by only ninety-three votes. 
Mr. Wilson was a member of the Massachusetts Constitutional 
Convention in 1853, and took a leading part in its deliberations. 
In 1853 and 1854, Mr. AVilson was tlie candidate of the Freesoil 
party for Governor of Massachusetts ; and in 1855 he was elected 
to the Senate to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of 
Mr. Everett. 

Mr. Wilson took his seat in the Senate on the 10th of Feb- 
ruary, 1855 ; and has been twice nearly unanimously re-elected. 
In that body, he ha-s been the inflexible opponent of slavery and 
the slave-power. In his first speech, made a few days after enter- 
ing the Senate, he announced the uncompromising position of 
himself and his antislavery friends to be, "We mean, sir, to place, 
in the councils of the nation, men who, in the words of Jefferson, 
' have sworn on the altar of God eternal liostility to every kind 
of oppression over the mind and body of man.' " Mr. Wilson 
was a member of the American National Council held at Phila- 
.delphia in 1855, and the acknowledged leader of the opponents 
of slavery. In response to the rude menace of one of tli3 South- 
ern leaders, who left his seat, crossed the room, and, with his 
hand upon his revolver, took a seat beside him, while addressing 
tho convention, Mr. Wilson said, " Threats have no terrors for 
frecLien. I am ready to meet argument with argument, scorn 
with scorn, and, if need be, blow with blow. It is time the 
champions of slavery in the South should realize the fact, that the 
past is theirs, the future ours." Under his lead, the antislavery 
delegates issued a protest against the action of the National Coun- 
cil, seceded from it, disrupted the organization, and broke its 
power forever. 



48 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

When, in the spring of 1856, Mr. Sumner was assailed in the 
Senate Chamber by Preston S. Brooks, of South Carolina, for 
words spoken in debate, Mr. Wilson, on the floor of the Senate, 
characterized that act as " brutal, murderous, and cowardly." 
These words, uttered in the Senate Chamber, drew forth a chal- 
lenge from Brooks ; to which Mr. Wilson replied, in words which 
were enthusiastically applauded by the country, " I have always 
regarded duelling as a lingering relic of a barl)arous civilization, 
which the law of the country has branded as a crime.. While, 
therefore, I religiously believe in the right of self-defence in its 
broadest sense, the law of my country, and the matured convic- 
tions of my whole life, alike forbid me to meet you for the pur- 
pose indicated in your letter." This response, embodying the 
sentiment and feeling of the people of tlie North, was warmly 
approved. 

When the opposition to the iron sway of the slave-masters 
triumphed in the election of Abraham Lincoln, he emphatically 
declared that the " slave-power was under the heel of the nation, 
and would be ground to atoms." 

When the irrepressible conflict of irreconcilable ideas and in- 
stitutions culminated in the slaveholders' Rebellion, the Senate 
assigned to Mr. Wilson the chairmanship of the Military Com- 
mittee. He brought to that position of high responsibility in- 
domitable energy, tireless industry, and an experience derived 
from four years' service upon the committee under the chairman- 
ship of Jefferson Davis, who knew, perhaps, better than any other 
public man, the condition of the arms and defences of the coun- 
try, and the state of the army and its officers. Vast responsibili- 
ties and labors were imposed upon the Military Committee of the 
Senate during the Rebellion. The important legislation for rais- 
ing, organizing, and governing the armies, originated in that com- 
mittee, or were passed upon by it ; and eleven thousand nomina- . 
tions, from the second lieutenant to the lieutenant-general, were 
referred to it. Tlie labors of Mr. Wilson as chairman of the com- 
mittee were immense. Important legislation aflecting the armies, 
and the thousands of nominations, could not but excite tlie liveli- 
est interest of officers and their friends ; and they ever freely 
visited him, consulted with and wrote to him. Private soldiers, 
too, ever felt at liberty to visit him or write to him concerning 
their affairs. Thousands did so ; and so promptly did he attend 
to their needs, that they christened him the " Soldier's Friend." 

Having been for twenty-five years the unflinching foe of sla- 



SENATOR WILSOX THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. 49 

very and all that belonged or pertained to it, comprehending 
the magnitude of the issues, and fully understanding the charac- 
ter of the secession leaders, Mr. Wilson believed that tlie conflict, 
whenever the appeal should be made to arms, would be one of 
gigantic proportions. Being in Washington when Fort Sumter 
fell, he was one among the few who advised tliat tlic call should 
be for three hundred thousand instead of seventj^-five thousand 
men. On the day that call was made, he induced the Secretary 
of War to double the number of regiments apportioned to Massa- 
chusetts. 

Returning to Massachusetts, he met the Sixth Regiment on its 
way to the protection of the capital. He had hardly reached Boston- 
when the startling intelligence came that the regiment had been 
fired upon in the streets of Baltimore. Having passed that anxious 
night in the company of his friend Gen. Schouler, Adjutant-Gen- 
eral of the Commonwealth, discussing the future that darkly 
loomed up before them, he left the next day for Washington. He 
sailed from New York on the 21st of April with the forces leaving 
that day, and found Gen. Butler at Annapolis, and communication 
with the capital closed. At the request of Gen. Butler, he returned 
to New York, obtained from Gen. Wool several heavy cannon for 
the protection of Annapolis, and then went to Washington, where 
he remained most of the time until the meeting of Congress, 
franking letters for the soldiers, working in the hospitals, and 
preparing the needed military measures to be presented when 
Congress should meet on the 4th of July. On the second day 
of the session, Mr. Wilson introduced five bills and a joint reso- 
lution. The first bill was a measure authorizing the employment 
of five hundred thousand volunteers for three years to aid in en- 
forcing the laws ; the second was a measure increasing the regu- 
lar army by the addition of twenty-five thousand men ; the third 
•was a measure providing for the " better organization of the mili- 
tary establishment," in twenty-five sections, embracing very im- 
portant provisions. Tliese three measures were referred to the 
Military Committee, promptly reported back by Mr. Wilson, 
slightly amended, and enacted into laws. The joint resolution 
to ratify and confirm certain acts of the President for the sup- 
pression of insurrection and rebellion was reported, debated at 
great length, but failed to pass, though its most important pro- 
visions were, on his motion, incorporated with another measure. 

Mr. Wilson, at the called session, introduced a bill in addition 
to the "Act to authorize the Employment of Volunteers," which 



50 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

authorized the President to accept five hundred tlioiisand more 
volunteers, and to appoint for the command of the volunteer 
forces such number of major and brigadier generals as in his 
judgment might be required ; and this measure was passed. He 
introduced bills " to authorize the President to appoint additional 
aides-de-camp," containing a provision abolishing flogging in the 
army; "to make appropriations;" "to provide for the purchase 
of arms, ordnance, and ordnance-stores;" and " to increase the 
corps of engineers ; " all of which were enacted. He introduced 
also a bill, which was passed, " to increase the pay of the pri- 
vates," which increased the soldiers' pay from eleven to thirteen 
dollars per month, and provided that all the acts of the Presi- 
dent respecting the army and navy should be approved, legalized, 
and made valid. 

The journals of the Senate, and the " Congressional Globe," 
bear ample evidence that Mr. Wilson's senatorial life was, at that 
period, one of ceaseless activity in originating and pressing for- 
ward the measures for increasing and organizing the armies to 
meet the varied exigencies of the tremendous conflict of civil 
war. At the close of the session. Gen. Scott emphatically de- 
clared that " Senator Wilson had done more work in that short 
session than all the chairmen of the Military Committees had 
done for the last twenty years." So ably and so well were his 
manifold duties fulfilled, that the veteran Lieutenant-General 
said, in an autograph letter of the 10th of August, — 

" In taking leave of you some days ago, I fear that I did not 
so emphatically express my thanks to you, as our late Chairman 
of the Senate Committee, as my feelings and those of my brother- 
officers of the army (with whom I have conversed) warranted, for 
your able and zealous efforts to give to the service the fullest war 
development and efficiency. It is pleasing to remember the pains 
you took to obtain accurate information, wherever it could be 
found, as a basis for wise legislation ; and we hope it may be long 
before the army loses your valuable services in the same ca- 
pacity." 

After the adjournment of Congress, Gen. Scott recommended 
to the President the appointment of Senator Wilson to the office 
of brigadier-general of volunteers ; but, as the acceptance of such 
a position would have required the resignation of his seat in the 
Senate, the subject was, after consideration, dropped. Anxious, 
however, to do something for the endangered country during the 
recess of Congress, Mr. Wilson made an arrangement with Gen. 



SENATOR WILSON IN THE FIELD. 51 

McClellan to go on his staff as a volunteer aide-de-camp, with the 
rank of colonel ; but at the pressing solicitation of Mr. Cameron, 
Mr. Seward, and Mr. Chase, who were most anxious to give a new 
impulse to volunteering, then somewhat checked by the defeat at 
Bull Run, he accepted authority to raise a regiment of infantry, 
a company of sharpshooters, and a battery of artillery. Return 
ing to Massachusetts, he issued a stirring appeal to the young 
men of the State, called and addressed several public meetings, 
and, in forty days, filled to overflowing the Twenty-second Regi 
ment, one company of sharpshooters, two batteries, and nine com- 
panies of the Twenty-third Regiment, in all numbering nearly two 
thousand three hundred men. He was commissioned colonel of 
the Twenty-second Regiment, with the distinct understanding 
that he would remain with the regiment but a brief period, and 
would arrange with the War Department to have an accomplished 
army officer for its commander. With the Twenty-second Regi- 
ment, a company of sharpshooters, and the Tliird Battery of 
Artillery, he went to Washington, and was assigned to Gen. Mar- 
tindale's brigade, in Fitz-John Porter's division, stationed at Hall's 
Hill, in Virginia. The passage of the regiment from their camp 
at Lynnfield to Washington was an ovation. On Boston Com- 
mon, a splendid flag was presented to the regiment by Robert C. 
Winthrop ; in New York, a flag was presented by James T. Brady, 
and a banquet given by the citizens, which was attended by emi- 
nent men of all parties. 

After a brief period. Gen. Wilson, at the solicitation of the Sec- 
retary of War, resigned his commission, put the accomplished 
Col. Gove of the regular army in command of his regiment, and 
took the position of volunteer aide, with the rank of colonel, on 
the staff of Gen. McClellan. The Secretary of War, in pressing 
Gen. Wilson to resign his commission and take this position, ex- 
pressed the opinion that it would enable him, by practical obser- 
vation of the condition and actual experience of the organization 
of the army, the better to prepare the proper legislation to give 
the highest development and efficiency to the military forces. He 
served on Gen. McClellan's staff until the 9th of January, 1862, 
when pressing duties in Congress forced him to tender his resigna- 
tion. In accepting it, Adjutant-Gen. Williams said, — 

" The major-general commanding desires me to acknowledge 
the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, in which you tender 
your resignation of the appointment of aide-de-camp upon his staff. 
The reasons assigned in your letter are such, that the general is 



52 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

not permitted any other course than that of directing the ac- 
ceptance of your resignation. He wishes me to add, that it is with 
regret that he sees the termination of the pleasant official rela- 
tions which have existed between jou and himself; and that he 
yields with reluctance to the necessity created by the pressure 
upon you of other and more important public duties." 

During the second session of the Thirty-seventh Congress, Mr. 
Wilson originated, introduced, and carried through, several meas- 
ures of vital importance to the army and the interests of the coun- 
try. Among these measures were the bills " relating to courts- 
martial ; " " to provide for allotment-certificates ; " "for the bet- 
ter organization of the signal- department of the army;" "for 
the appointment of sutlers in the volunteer service, and defining 
their duties ; " " authorizing the President to assign the command 
of troops in the same field or department to officers of the same 
grade, without regard to seniority ; " " to increase the efficiency 
of the medical department of the army;" "to facilitate the dis- 
charge of enlisted men for physical disability;" "to provide ad- 
ditional medical officers of the volunteer service ; " " to encour- 
age enlistments in the regular army an^ volunteer forces ; " " for 
the presentation of medals of honor to enlisted men of the army 
and volunteer forces who have distinguished or who may distin- 
guish themselves in battle during the present Rebellion ; " " to 
define the pay and emoluments of certain officers of the army, and 
for other purposes," — a bill of twenty-two sections of important 
provisions ; and " to amend the act calling forth the militia to exe- 
cute the laws, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion." This 
last bill authorized for the first time the enrolment in the militia, 
and the drafting, of negroes ; and empowered the President to 
accept, organize, and arm colored men for military purposes. 
Military measures introduced by other senators, or originating in 
the House, and amendments made to Senate bills in the House, 
were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, imposing 
upon Mr. Wilson much care and labor. 

During the session, Mr. Cameron, the Secretary of War, re- 
signed ; and, on leaving the department, he said in a letter to 
Senator Wilson, "No man, in my opinion, in tlie whole coun- 
ry, has done more to aid the War Department in preparing 
the mighty army now under arms than yourself; and, before 
leaving this city, I think it my duty to offer to you my sincere 
thanks as its late head. As Chairman of the Military Committee 
of the Senate, your services were invaluable. At the first call 



THE SECRETARY OF WAR ON SENATOR WILSON. 53 

for troops, you came here ; and up to the meeting of Congress, a 
period of more than six months, your labors wore incessant. 
Sometimes in encouraghig the Administration by assurances of 
support from Congress, by encouraging volunteering in your 
own State, by raising a regiment yourself when other men be- 
gan to fear that compulsory drafts might be necessary, and in 
the Senate by preparing the bills and assisting to get the neces- 
sary appropriations for organizing, clothing, arming, and supply- 
ing the army, you have been constantly and profitably employed 
in the great cause of putting down tlie unnatural rebellion." 

Mr. Cameron was succeeded by Mr. Stanton, who brought to 
the office tireless industry, indomitable energy, and an abrupt 
manner that often subjected him to harsh criticisms. The Secre- 
tary and the Chairman of the Military Committee of the Senate 
ever maintained the most friendly and confidential relations. Mr. 
Wilson was always ready to consider the wishes of tlie Secretary, 
and ever prompt in his defence. Mr. Stanton has often expressed 
iiis grateful sense of the public and personal support so readily 
given. 

In the last session of the Thirty-seventh Congress, and in the 
Thirty-eighth Congress, Mr. Wilson labored with the same vigor 
and persistency to organize and develop the military resources of 
the nation, to do justice to the officers, and to care for the sol- 
diers. During these sessions of Congress, he introduced many 
measures, and moved amendments to bills originated by other sen- 
ators and in the House of Representatives. Among tlie important 
measures originated and carried to enactment by him were the 
bills " to facilitate the discharge of disabled soldiers, and the in- 
spection of convalescent camps and hospitals; " " to improve the 
organization of the cavalry forces ; " " to authorize an increase in 
the number of major and brigadier generals;" "for enrolling 
and calling out the national forces, and for other purposes," — a 
bill of thirtj'-eight sections, containing provisions of the highest im- 
portance ; " to amend an act entitled ' An Act for enrolling and 
calling out the National Forces,' " — a bill of twenty-seven sections, 
in which it was provided that " colored persons should, on being 
mustered into the service, become free ; " a bill " to establisli a 
uniform system of ambulances in tlie armies ; " " to increase the 
pay of soldiers in the United-States army, and for other pur- 
poses," — a measure that increased the pay to sixteen dollars per 
month ; " to provide for the examination of certain officers of the 
army ; " a bill " to provide for the better organization of the Quar- 



54 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

termaster's department; " a "bill in addition to the several acts 
for enrolling and calling out the national forces ; " " to incorpo- 
rate a national military and naval asylum for the relief of totally 
disabled officers and men of the volunteer forces ; " " to incor- 
porate the National Freedmen's Savings Bank ; " "to incorporate 
the National Academy of Sciences ; " " to encourage enlist- 
ments, and promote the efficiency of the military and naval forces, 
by making free the wives and children of colored soldiers ; " and 
a joint resolution "to encourage the employment of disabled and 
discharged soldiers." The important legislation securing to col- 
ored soldiers equality of pay from the 1st of January, 1864, and 
to officers in the field an increase in the commutation-price of the 
ration, and three months' extra pay to those who should continue 
in service to the close of the war, was moved by Mr. Wilson upon 
appropriation-bills. 

Mr. Wilson, while laboring with ever-watchful care for the in- 
terests of the army and the support of the Government in its 
gigantic efforts to suppress the Rebellion, did not lose sight, for a 
moment, of slavery, to the ultimate extinction of which he had 
consecrated his life more than a quarter of a century before slavery 
revolted against the authority of the nation. In that remarkable 
series of antislavery measures which culminated in the anti- 
slavery amendment of the Constitution, he bore no undistin- 
guished part. He introduced the bill abolishing slavery in the 
District of Columbia, which became a law on the 16th of April, 
1862, and by which more than three thousand slaves were made 
forever free, and slavery made forever impossible in the nation's 
capital. He introduced a provision, which became a law on the 
21st of May, 1862, providing that persons of color in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia should be subject to the same laws to which 
white persons were subject ; that they should be tried for offences 
against the laws in the same manner as white persons were tried, 
and, if convicted, be liable to the same penalty, and no other, as 
would be inflicted upon white persons for the same crime. On the 
12th of July, 1862, he introduced from the Military Committee 
the bill, which became the law on the 17th, to amend the act of 
1795, calling for the militia to execute the laws. This bill made ne- 
groes a part of the militia, authorized the President to receive into 
the military or naval service persons of African descent, and made 
free such persons, their mothers, wives, and children, if they owed 
service to any persons wdio gave aid to the Rebellion. When the 
amendment, on the 21th of February, 1864, to the Enrolment Act, 



ACTION AFFECTING THE FREEDMEN. 55 

was pending in the House, it was so amended as to make colored 
men. whether free or slave, part of the national forces ; and the 
masters of slaves were to receive the bounty when they should 
free their drafted slaves. On the Committee of Conference, Mr. 
Wilson moved that the slaves should be made free, not by the act 
of their masters, but by the authority of the Government, the mo- 
ment they entered the service of the United States. It was agreed 
tO, and became the law of the land ; and Gen. Palmer reported, 
that, in Kentucky alone, more than twenty thousand slaves had 
been made free by it. On his motion, the Army Appropriation Bill 
of June 15, 1864, was so amended as to provide that all persons 
of color who had been, or who might be, mustered into the mili- 
tary service, should receive the same uniform, clothing, arms, 
equipments, camp-equipage, rations, medical attendance, and pay, 
as other soldiers, from the first day of January, 1864. He made, 
too, earnest and persistent efforts to secure justice to the Fifty- 
fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts colored regiments, and regi- 
ments raised early in the war, and with partial success. He in- 
troduced, and, in face of a persistent opposition, carried through, 
the joint resolution making the wives and children of all colored 
soldiers forever free. Major-Gen. Palmer, commanding the forces 
of the United States in Kentucky, estimated in an official report, 
six months after its passage, that nearly seventy-five thousand 
women and children were made free by it in that State alone. He 
was made chairman, on the part of the Senate, of the Committee 
of Conference to whom was referred the bills relating to the 
Freedmen's Bureau ; and reported from the committee a new bill 
to establish in the War Department a bureau for the relief of 
freedmen and refugees, which became the law of the laud. He 
introduced many other measures relating to slavery and the riglits 
of persons of color, participated in the debates and the action on 
kindred propositions introduced by others, and made elaborate 
speeches in favor of the abolition of slavery in the District of 
Columbia and for the constitutional amendment. 

In addition to his vast labors in Congress during the Rebellion, 
Mr. Wilson travelled in several States thousands of miles, deliv- 
ered more than a Imndred speeches in support of the war and in 
vindication of the antislavery policy of the Government, and pub- 
lished -'The History of Antislavery Measures in the Thirty-seventh 
and Thirty-eighth Congresses," in which the successive steps of 
national legislation pertaining to slavery are skilfully traced. 
This work has been most highly commended for its fairness, and 
clearness of statement. 



56 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

No public man ever brought to the high duties of a great occa- 
sion more sympathy for the toiling and the oppressed, or more 
faith in the people and the democratic institutions of liis country, 
than Henry Wilson. Born in poverty, nursed in childhood in the 
lap of penury, trained to incessant toil in boyhood, accustomed 
in early manhood to the severe labors of the mechanic's shop, he 
had learned from his own stern experiences the working-man's 
temptations and trials. Devoting, during the eleven years of his 
apprenticeship, the hours given to toil, to the study of his coun- 
try's liistory, he grew up in sympathy with the poor and lowly, 
Avith faith in the people, and in love with the free institutions of 
his native land. Sympathizing with the toiling many, devoted to 
democratic institutions, he entered public life the uncompromis- 
ing enemy of intemperance and slavery. In the Legislature of 
Massachusetts eight years, and in the Senate of the United States, 
he has ever given voice and vote for the rights, the culture, and 
the elevation of all men, without distinction of color or race. For 
twenty-five years, he toiled with unflagging energy for the anni- 
hilation of the slave-power and the final extinction of slavery. 

Calling to mind the important measures he has introduced af- 
fecting the interests of the nation, and aided in shaping, advocating, 
and pushing through the Senate ; the incessant labors he has per- 
formed in and out of Congress for the overthrow of the Rebellion 
and the extirpation of slavery, — it is hardly too much to assert 
that few public men have contributed more to the suppression of 
the slave-masters' revolt, the restoration of the broken Union, and 
the utter extinction in America of an institution alike at variance 
with the dictates of humanity and the teachings of Christianity. 



EDWARD EVERETT. 



Edward Everett was born in Dorchester, Mass., on the 11th of 
April, 1791. His father, Rev. Oliver Everett, upon his resigna- 
tion of the pastorate of the New South Church in Boston in 
1792, made this pleasant town his residence until his death. 
The family on both sides were of Puritan ancestry, dating back 
to the first emigration. In 1803, Mrs. Everett, with her large 
family, returned to Boston ; and from that time, until his sad and 
sudden decease, Jan. 15, 1865, Edward Everett was identified 
with the city and all her interests, and was the pride of all her 
inhabitants. 



EDWARD EVEBETT. 57 

He was educated in the free schools of Dorchester and Bos- 
ton ; and when, later, his regular preparation for college com- 
menced, he attended a private school taught by Ezekicl Webster, 
elder brother of Daniel, who was also his instructor during the ab- 
sence, for a week, of the principal. In this relation to each other, 
a friendship began between Edward Everett and Daniel Webster, 
which the latter, in 1852, compared to " a clear, blue, cerulean 
sky, without a cloud or mist or haze, stretching across the hea- 
vens." 

He entered Harvard College in 1807, graduating in 1811. 
He was soon after appointed Latin tutor, and commenced the 
study of divinity under President Kirkland. In 1813, he accepted 
ai call to the Brattle-square Cluirch, succeeding Dr. Buckminster, 
who had used his influence to induce the youthful graduate to 
turn his attention from the study of law to that of theology. In 
addition to his ministerial duties, he published a defence of Chris- 
tianity, against an attack, by G. B. English, on the New Testament. 

Rev. Dr. Lothrop remarks of this book, that, " at tlie time it 
was published, it was justly regarded as one of the most learned 
and important theological works that had then been written in 
America ; " and it is but just to say that the completeness and 
thorough mastery of the subject which marked this " Defence " 
were ever afterward characteristic of every thing which he under- 
took. Whatever he did, he did well. 

Accepting tlie chair of the Greek professorship in Harvard Col- 
lege in 1815, he embarked for Gottingen, by way of England, to 
prepare himself for his new duties by the study of the ancient 
German, and to enjoy the advantages, then rarely embraced by an 
American, of a German university. 

The winter of 1817-18 was spent in Paris, studying modern 
Greek. In the spring, he returned to England. He again visited 
the Continent the same year, taking up his residence for brief pe- 
riods in Florence, Rome, Constantinople, Athens, and other inter- 
esting cities in Southern Europe. He returned to his native 
country in 1819, " the most finished and accomplished scholar 
that had been seen in New England ; and it will be generally ad- 
mitted that he maintained this superiority to the last. From this 
year, down to the hour of his death, he was constantly before the 
public eye, and never without a marked and peculiar influence 
upon the community, especially upon students and scholars." * 

* George S. Hillard. 



58 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

In 1819, he addressed himself to the labors of his professorship 
in the university, and as the able editor of " The North-American 
Review." He was particularly known for his earnest vindication 
of America against English prejudice. 

Then followed a succession of masterly orations and addresses 
upon various topics during the rest of his life, none of which 
was more widely known than the oration on Washington, which 
brought a golden harvest for the Mount-Vcrnon Fund. It seemed 
the purchase of the shrine of a nation's homage to its father, on 
the eve of a civil war around its hallowed summit. 

In 1825, Mr. Everett took his seat in Congress, representing 
Middlesex for ten years. From 1835 to 1839, he was Governor of 
the State ; and, in 1841, he was appointed minister to the court 
of St. James. 

Important questions were at that time pending between the two 
countries, including the North-eastern Boundary, the Fisheries, 
"The Caroline," "The Creole," the case of McLeod, and others.; 
but it is universally admitted that he discharged his difficult diplo- 
matic duties with great judgment, delicacy, and grace. During 
these years, as ever after, he was treated with the highest respect 
and cordiality in England ; and among the compliments bestowed 
upon him were honorary degrees from the Universities of Oxford, 
Cambridge, and Dublin. 

Upon his return home, in 1846, he was elected President of 
Harvard College, succeeding the venerable Josiah Quincy. This 
position he resigned in 1849, and remained in private life, until, 
upon Mr. Webster's death, in 1852, he was called to the Depart- 
ment of State by President Fillmore. While at Cambridge, and 
during the years immediately preceding his return to public life, 
he devoted himself to the establishment of a free public library in 
Boston ; and in a letter to the then mayor of the city, Hon. John 
P. Bigelow, he prepared the plan which has been carried forward 
from that time, and which has resulted in an institution which is 
an honor to its originator and to the city. On account of a 
change in tlie administration, he served as Secretary of State but 
a few months, and, in 1853, took his seat in the United-States 
Senate, as successor of Hon. John Davis ; but ill health com- 
pelled him to resign in 1854. During his brief term, he spoke 
against tlie repeal of the Missouri Compromise, a measure which 
he has termed " the Pandora's box, from which our ills have 
flowed," the fruitful cause of national troubles. 

It was during the four years immediately succeeding his retire- 



EDWARD EVERETT. 59 

ment from strictly public and official duties, and while suffering 
many bodily infirmities, that he devoted himself to raising money 
for the Mount-Vernon Fund. The proceeds of his remarkable 
address on Washington, which he generously gave to this worthy 
object, amounted to nearly one hundred thousand dollars. In 
one of his public speeches, he thus refers to his motives for under- 
taking the great work of securing to the nation the home of the 
" Father of his Country : " — 

After tlie sectional warfare of opinion and feeling reached a dangerous 
height, anxious, if possible, to bring a counteractive and conciliatory influ- 
ence into play ; feeling that there was just one golden chord of sympathy 
which ran throughout the land ; in the hope of contributing something, how- 
ever small, to preserve what remained, and restore what was lost, of kind 
feeling between the two sections of the country, — I devoted the greater part 
of my time for three years to the attempt to give new strength, in the hearts 
of my countrymen, to the last patriotic feeling in which they seemed to beat 
in entire unison, — veneration and love for the name of Washington, and 
reverence for the place of his rest. With this object in view, I travelled thou- 
sands of miles,, by night and day, in midwinter and midsummer, speaking 
three, four, and five times a week, in feeble health, and under a heavy burden 
of domestic care and sorrow, and inculcating the priceless value of the Union, 
in precisely the same terms, from Maine to Greorgia, and from New York to 
St. Louis. 

Mr. Everett was candidate for the Presidency in 1860, on 
the ticket of the " Conservative party." When the Rebellion 
burst upon the country, he was still for compromise and peace : 
but as the struggle deepened, and he saw its true character, he 
nobly evinced his true patriotism, while many of his intimate and 
dear friends flinched from apparent duty ; and took his place 
among the most loyal friends of the Government and decided ad- 
vocates of a vigorous prosecution of the war. The effect upon 
certain classes, on account of his antecedents, of his eloquent 
defence of the Government, and condemnation of all treasonable 
acts, was very great. The confidence and admiration inspired by 
this magnanimous and patriotic course found expression in his 
being selected by the people of Massachusetts for their first presi- 
dential elector in 1864. 

In a spirit of the broadest patriotism, he had attempted to allay 
sectional prejudices, and unite all at the North and South in a 
common love and devotion to the Union. " But," in the words 
of one of his eulogists, " when this hope failed, and he found that 



1 



60 MASSACHUSETTS /^V THE REBELLION. 

treason had developed its plans ; that rebellion, unfurling its 
standard, had inaugurated civil war ; then the policy that had 
hitherto guided his life was instantly abandoned. He felt that 
there was no longer any room for concession and compromise, 
and so gave himself — time, talents, wisdom, strength, all that 
he had — in all ways to support the legitimate Government 
of the United States in all tlie action and policy by which 
that Government sought to maintain at all hazards, and at any 
cost, the integrity of the Union and country which tliat Govern- 
ment was instituted to preserve. But, in all this, he was under 
the inspiration of a patriotism that always dwelt in his heart ; 
though, in these later years, he seems to have been raised to an 
energy, enthusiasm, and earnestness of effort, that indicate a 
deeper and stronger conviction that he was right than he exhib- 
ited, or perhaps ever experienced, before." 

In the minds of some not thoroughly acquainted with Mr. Ev- 
erett's principles of action, there has sometimes been a lingering 
feeling that he was lacking in moral courage. On this point, 
Hon. John H. Clifford has well remarked, — 

There were occasions in his life when it would have required less courage, 
and have cost a smaller sacrifice, to escape this imputation, and secure to 
himself the popular favor, than it did to incite it. But his resolute adher- 
ence to his own conscientious convictions, his large and comprehensive 
patriotism, his unswerving nationality and love of the Union, and the knowl- 
edge which a scholar's studies and a statesman's observations had given him 
of the perils by which that Union was environed, closed many an avenue of 
popularity to him, which bolder, but not more courageous public men than 
he could consent to walk in. If timidity consists in an absence of all temer- 
ity and rashness, of entire freedom from that reckless spirit which so often 
leads "fools to rush in where angels fear to tread," let it ever be remem- 
bered to his. honor that Mr. Everett was a timid statesman. But, if the 
virtue of moderation is still to be counted among the excellent qualities of a 
ruler or counsellor, . ! . let it also be remembered that our departed states- 
man, while he adhered inflexibly to his convictions of the right, was not 
" ashamed to let his moderation be known unto all men." 

Among the latest and noblest efforts of his life, before a popular 
assembly, was his oration, Nov. 19, 1863, at the dedication of the 
national cemetery at Gettysburg, Penn. The scene is brought 
vividly before us in his own eloquent words : — 

Standing beneath this serene sky, overlooking these broad fields now re- 
posing from the labors of the waning year, the mighty Alleghanies towering 



EDWARD EVEIiETT. 61 

before us, the graves of our brethren beneath our feet, it is with hesitation 
that I raise my poor voice to break the eloquent silence of God and Nature. 

Wc can only quote further the closing paragraph of the review 
of the war, and the story of heroic deeds, which held in breathless 
silence the assembled thousands, among whom our lamented 
President was a tearful listener. He said, — 

And now, friends, fellow-citizens of Glettysburg and Pennsylvania, and you 
from the remoter States, let me again, as we part, invoke your benediction on 
these honored graves. You feel, though the occasion is mournful, that it is 
good to be here. You feel that it was greatly auspicious for the cause of the 
country that the men of the East and the men of the West, tlie men of nine- 
teen sister States, stood side by side on the perilous ridges of the battle. You 
now feel it a new bond of union, that they shall lie side by side till a clarion 
louder than that which marshalled them to the combat shall awake their 
slumbers. God bless the Union ! It is dearer to us for the blood of the 
brave men shed in its defence. The spots on which they stood and fell ; these 
pleasant heights ; the fertile plain beneath them ; the thriving villao-e whoee 
streets so lately rang with the strange din of war ; the fields beyond the rido-e, 
where the noble Reynolds held the advancing foe at bay, and, while he o'ave 
up his own hfe, assured by his forethought and self-sacrifice the triumph of 
the two succeeding days; the little streams which wind through the hills, on 
whose banks, in after-times, the wondering ploughman will turn up, with the 
rude weapons of savage warfare, the fearful missiles of modern artillery ; the 
Seminary Ridge, the Peach-orchard, Cemetery, Gulp's and Wolf's Hills, 
Round Top, Little Round Top, — humble names, henceforward dear and fa- 
mous, — no lapse of time, no distance of space, shall cause you to be forgotten. 
" The whole earth," said Pericles, as he stood over the remains of his fellow- 
citizens who had fallen in the first year of the Peloponnesian War, — "the whole 
earth is the sepulchre of illustrious men." All time, he might have added, 
is the millennium of their glory. Surely I would do no injustice to the other 
noble achievements of the war, which have reflected such honor on both arms 
of the service, and have entitled the armies and the navy of the United States, 
their oflleers and men, to the warmest thanks and the richest rewards which a 
grateful people can pay. But they, I am sure, will join us in saying, as we 
bid farewell to the dust of these martyr-heroes, that wheresoever throughout 
the civilized world the accounts of this great warfare are read, and down to 
the latest period of recorded time, in the glorious annals of our common coun- 
try, there will be no brighter page than that which relates The Battles of 
Gettysburg. 

Mr. Everett's addresses will ever remain enduring monuments 
to his scholarship, eloquence, and patriotism. As an orator, he 
stood first in the land : he had no peer. 

In the record of benevolence given in another place, the interest 



62 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

Mr. Everett felt in the destitute loyal people of East Tennessee 
conspicuously appears. He entered with all his soul into the 
movement for their relief, displaying in this practical sympathy 
both his genuine kindness of heart and patriotic devotion to the 
whole country. 

The last public occasion on which his voice was heard was at 
the meeting of his fellow-citizens in Faneuil Hall on Monday, 
Jan. 12, 1865, for the relief of Savannah, — the "Christmas 
gift," three weeks before, of Gen. Sherman to the nation. 
His manner was unusually animated in that appeal. But expo- 
sure to currents of air then, and soon after in the court-room, 
where he had an important suit in course of trial, brought on a 
serious attack of lung-disease, followed by apoplectic symptoms. 
He died Jan. 15, 1865. The patriotic devotion to his coun- 
try in its peril from foes at the North, who were more dangerous 
and excuscless than those at the South, shed a halo of true glory 
over his closing life, which will forever endear his memory to the 
American people. At the commemorative meeting of the Massa- 
chusetts Historical Society, held on the evening of Jan. 30, elo- 
quent tributes were paid to his memory ; and we know not where 
else to look for addresses of such singular beauty and appropriate- 
ness as were then delivered. 

The testimony of those who were equally distinguished, though 
in different walks of literature, but had for some years widely 
differed from him on national questions, is very touching. Said 
William CuUen Bryant, the distinguished poet, — 

If I have uttered any thing in derogation of Mr. Everett's public character at 
times when it seemed to me that he did not resist with becoming spirit the 
aggressions of wrong, I now, looking back upon his noble record of the last 
four years, retract it at his grave. I lay upon his hearse the declaration of 
my sorrow that I saw not the depth of his worth ; that I did not discern, 
under the conservatism that formed apart of his nature, that generous courage 
which a great emergency could so nobly awaken. 

Wrote the fiery bard of freedom, J. Gr. Whittier, — 

I am saddened by the reflection, that, through the very intensity of my 
convictions, I may have done injustice to the motives of those with whom I 
differed. As respects Edward Everett, it seems to me that only within the 
last four years have I truly known him. . . . 

At the meeting in Faneuil Hall, Jan. 18, to commemorate 
his death, the Hon. Alexander H. Bullock, now Governor, closed 
his eloquent eulogy with these glowing words : — 



EDWARD EVERETT. 63 

His greatest clays were his last. The country did not know bim perfectly 
until 1861. Then he renewed his youth ; then he broke away from his own 
traditions and associations, and mounted to that wise, large patriotism which 
has guided twenty loyal millions to life and glory. He waited not for others, 
nor for the victory of our arms ; but, in those first days of war and gloom, his 
voice sounded like a clarion over this land. Almighty God be praised that 
he has been spared to us these four years ! In these temples of your elo- 
quence, in the commercial metropolis where his counsel was more needed, 
everywhere and every day, by public speech and through the popular press, 
he has confirmed hesitating men at home, he has inspired your armies in the 
field. These victories which fill the air to-day peal grandly over his inanimate 
form : they cannot wake him from sleep ; but they are a fitting salute for his 
burial. He passes to his rest when the whole heaven is lighted up to proclaim 
that his mission has been accomplished. The same page of the calendar shall 
repeat to the nest age the Deatu of Everett, and the New Life of 
ms Country. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MASSACHUSETTS KEPRE SENT ATI VES IN CONGRESS. 

Ex-Gov. George S. Boutwell's Early Life. — Entrance upon Public Service. — The Ad- 
vocate of Popular Education and Universal Freedom. — Speech on extending the 
Rio-ht of Suffrage to the Colored INIen. — The Hon. Thomas D. Eliot's Birth and Boy- 
hood. — Graduates at Columbia College, and studies Law. — In Congress. — Address 
and Speeches on the great Questions of War and Freedom. — The Hon. A. H. Rice. — 
The Hon. Samuel Hooper. — The Hon. H. L. Dawes. — The Hon. John B. Alley.— 
The Hon. D. W. Gouch. — The Hon. W. B. Washburn. — The Hon. Oakes Ames. 

GEORGE S. BOUTWELL. 

GEORGE S. BOUTWELL was born in Brookline, Norfolk 
County, Jan. 28, 1808. 

His boyhood was spent upon a farm, amid whose quiet Labors ho 
formed habits of industry, and secured a good pliysical constitution. 

In early youth, he engaged in mercantile pursuits ; rising from 
the errand-boy's place to the control of extensive business. After 
nearly twenty years' experience in intensely practical occupation of 
his energies, he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1836. 

In 1842, Mr. Boutwell was chosen to the Legislature of the 
State, where he was an able and efficient member for seven years. 
In 1849-50, he held the position of Bank Commissioner. In 1851, 
the people elected him Governor of Massachusetts. Mr. Boutwell 
was also a member of the Constitutional Convention of the Com- 
monwealth in 1853. Perhaps his noblest, greatest work for the 
State was his active and earnest service as Secretary of the Board 
of Education for eleven years. He was for six years member of 
the Board of Overseers of Harvard College. 

When, ill the spring of 1861, the rising storm of rebellion shook 
the national capital with excitement, he was a delegate from 
Massachusetts to the Peace Congress called to cahn the strife ; 
and, while he deprecated war, he was true to the principles and 
trust of his native State. 

From July, 1862, to March, 1863, he was Commissioner of Inter- 
nal Revenue, and, in the autumn of the former year, was chosen 
representative to Congress, and placed on the Judiciary Commit- 

64 



GEORGE S. BOUTWELL. G5 

tee. In 1864, he was a delegate to the Republican Conven- 
tion at Baltimore which renominated for the Presidency Abra- 
ham Lincoln. 

On no occasion, perhaps, has he won higher admiration and re- 
gard, by a single effort, than on that of the discussion of negro 
suflE'rage, Jan. 18,1866, in the House of Representatives. 

The members seemed to be in a careless mood, when the word 
passed around that " Gov. Boutwell is going to speak." As 
he rose to his feet, a sudden stillness spread over the hall ; and 
the tried friend of the laboring classes, the advocate of popular 
education, and the eloquent pleader for the rights of the oppressed 
African, commenced one of his finest and most powerful extem- 
poraneous speeches. He said, — 

Mr. Speaker, — It is only recently that I entertained the purpose to speak 
at all upon this bill, and it was my expectation to avail myself of the kindness 
of the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee to divide with him the time 
allotted him by the rules of the House ; but I accept the opportunity now 
presented of speaking, before the previous question is demanded, to state 
certain views I entertain on this bill. I may say, in the beginning, that I am 
opposed to all dilatory motions upon this bill. I am opposed to the restric- 
tions moved by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hale), because I see in 
them no advantage to anybody, and I apprehend from their adoption much 
evil to the country. It should be borne in mind, that, when we emancipated 
the black people, we not only relieved ourselves from the institution of 
slavery, we not only conferred upon them freedom, but we did more, — we 
recognized their manhood, which, by the old Constitution and the general 
pohcy and usage of the country, had been, from the organization of the Grov- 
ernment until the Emancipation Proclamation, denied to all of the enslaved 
colored people. As a consequence of the recognition of their manhood, cer- 
tain results follow in accordance with the principles of this Government ; and 
they who believe in this Government are by necessity forced to accept these 
results as a consequence of the policy of emancipation which they have in- 
augurated, and for which they are responsible. But to say now — having 
given freedom to this people — that they shall not enjoy the essential rights 
and privileges of men, is to abandon the principle of the Proclamation of 
Emancipation, and tacitly to admit that the whole emancipation policy is 
erroneous. 

After showing clearly the inherent,, divinely given right of the 
emancipated bondmen to share in the elective franchise, and tlie 
dangerous power left in the hands of those who are still disloyal 
by withholding it, he closed with great force and impressive- 

ness : — 

9 



G6 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

I have tdus given, with less preparation than I ouglit to have made for the 
discussion of a question like this, the views I entertain upon this subject. 
But, beyond this, when we proclaimed the emancipation of the slaves, and 
put their lives in peril for the defence of the country, we did in effect guar- 
antee to them substantially the riglits of American citizens and a Christian 
posterity ; and heathen countries will demand how we have kept that faith. 
Mr. .Speaker, we arc to answer for our treatment of the colored people of this 
country ; and it will prove in the end impracticable to secure to men of color 
civil rio-hts, unless the persons who claim these rights are fortified by the polit- 
ical right of voting. With the right of voting, every thing that a man ought 
to have or enjoy of civil rights comes to him. Without the right to vote, 
he is secure in nothing. I cannot consent, after all the guards and safe- 
guards which may be prepared for the defence of the colored men in the en- 
joyment of their rights, — I cannot consent that they shall be deprived of the 
right to protect themselves. One hundred and eighty-sis thousand of them 
have been in the army of the United States. Tbey have stood in the place 
of our sons and brothers and uiends ; they have ^fallen in defence of the 
country; they have earned the right to share in the Government; and, if you 
deny them the elective franchise, I know not how they are to be protected : 
otherwise you furnish the protection which is given the lamb when com- 
mended to the wolf There is an ancient history, that a sparrow, pursued by a 
hawk, took refuge in the chief assembly of Athens, in the bosom of a member of 
that illustrious body, and that the senator in anger hurled it violently from him. 
It fell to the ground, dead ; and such was the horror and indignation, because 
of that incident, of men in that ancient but not Christianized body, — men 
living in the light of nature and reason only, — that they immediately ex- 
pelled the brutal Areopagite from his seat, and from the association of 
legislators. What will be said of us, not by Christian, but by heathen 
nations even, if, after accepting the blood and sacrifice of these men, we hurl 
them from us, and allow them to be the victims of those who have tyrannized 
over them for centuries? I know of no crime that exceeds this ; I know of 
none that is its parallel : and, if this country is true to itself, it will rise in the 
majesty of its strength, and maintain a policy, here and elsewhere, by which 
the riglits of the colored people shall be secured through their own power. 
"In peace, the ballot; in war, the bayonet." 

It is a maxim of another language, which we may well apply to ourselves, 
that, where the voting register ends, the military roster of rebellion begins ; 
and, if you leave these four millions of people to the care and custody of the 
men who have inaugurated and carried on this Rebellion, then you treasure 
up for untold years the elements of social and civil war, which must not only 
desolate and paralyze the South,, but shake this Grovernment to its very foun- 
dation. 

After the proposed amendments were voted down, the original 
bill, which provides, that, from all laws prescribing the qaalifica- 



THOMAS D. ELIOT. 67 

tions of voters ia the District of Columbia, the word " white " bo 
stricken out, aud that hereafter no persou shall be disqualified for 
voting on account of color, came to the final vote. New England 
moved in solid column for the measure ; and, of a hundred and 
seventy ballots cast, only fifty-four were against it. Enthusiastic 
applause followed, when the outburst was checked, and the House 
adjourned. 

Mr. Boutwell is in the full activity of his powers of mind and 
body, and, it is hoped, may long continue to serve the country 
that will always hold him in grateful remembrance. His presence 
is dignified, his manner pleasing, and his nature genial. 

HON. THOMAS D. ELIOT. 

Hon. Thomas D. Eliot was born in Boston, March 20, 1808. 
His father was William G. Eliot, who subsequently became a 
resident of Washington, D.C., having an official position in the 
Treasury Department. His mother was the daughter of the Hon. 
Thomas Dawes, of Boston, who was for several years a Justice of 
tlie Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. 

He is brother of Rev. William G. Eliot, D.D., of St. Louis. 
His boyhood was passed in Washington. He entered Columbia 
College, and, the year before he graduated, dehvered an English 
oration at the first commencement of that institution. At his 
graduation, 1825, he was appointed to deliver the Latin saluta- 
tory addresses of the anniversary. Rev. Baron Stow, D.D., and 
the Rev. Robert Cushman, D.D., were among his classmates. 
He soon after became a student at law in the office of his uncle, 
the Hon. William Cranch, Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of 
tlie United States of the District of Columbia. Li the year 1830, 
he went to New Bedford to complete his law studies with the 
Hon. C. H. Warren, whose partner he became after his admission 
to the bar. When, several years later, Mr. Warren was ap- 
pointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Mr. Eliot's widen- 
ing professional practice claimed so exclusively his attention, that 
he neither sought nor had time for political preferment. The 
people, however, desired his services as their representative, and, 
still later, their senator, in the General Court. His professional 
duties and his devotion to his family induced him to decline a 
proffered Congressional nomination, until his prosperous career as 
a lawyer made a new field of activity a pleasant relaxation from 
professional labor, and an inviting sphere of public usefulness. 



68 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

In 1854, lie was chosen to complete the unexpired term of the 
Hon. Zeno Scudder, representative in Congress from his district ; 
and took his seat in the Capitol when the discussion attending 
the Kansas-Nebraska Bill was at its height. Always on the side 
of freedom, his speeches at this crisis of intense interest and feel- 
ing were earnest and eloquent. 

July 28, 1854, Mr. Eliot asked leave to introduce a bill in the 
House of Representatives to repeal the Fngitive-slave Law : and, 
on motion to suspend the rules, the ayes were 45 ; the nays, 120. 
This was the first bill offered for the repeal of that law. 

Mr. Eliot had always been a firm Whig, attached to the lib- 
eral wing of the party, but centring his hopes upon the success 
of that political organization. The whirlwind of Americanism 
swept that party out of existence in the fall of 1854, and with 
it disappeared from Congress the Massachusetts delegation. Mr. 
Eliot shared the universal fate ; and his term closed in March, 
1855. Upon the dissolution of the Whig party,. he united with 
those members of various organizations who desired to found the 
Republican party ; and in the proceedings at Boston which re- 
sulted in the Convention at Worc3ster in the fall of 1855, and 
the nomination of Hon. Julius Rockwell, he bore a prominent part. 
From that time he has acted constantly and zealously with the 
Republicans. At the State Convention of 1857, he was unani- 
mously nominated as their candidate for the office of Attorney- 
General ; but the duties of this office were less to his taste than 
his professional practice, and he declined the nomination. He 
has also declined offers of judicial station in the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas and on the new Superior Bench. It would not be 
easy to find one whose life has been devoted more faithfully and 
closely to his profession. In the practice of many years, he has 
well deserved the confidence of his clients by the careful prepara- 
tion which he has given to their cases out of court, as well as the 
earnestness with which their causes have been tried. For some 
time, he and Ex-Gov, Clifford have been confessedly at the 
head of the bar in Southern Massachusetts. Outside of his pro- 
fession, his life has been chiefly spent in his home. A less pleas- 
ant one might have stimulated him to more ambitious achieve- 
ments. 

He was re-elected to Congress from his old district in 1860. 

In the Thirty-sixth Congress, Mr. Eliot took a high and con- 
sistent position as a Republican, representing a district which 
" embraces within its limits the first harbor made by our Pilgrim 



THOMAS D. ELIOT. 69 

forefathers at Provincetown, and their first home on Plymouth 
Rock." 

He addressed his constituents, Feb. 1, 1861, defining his posi- 
tion in the exciting crisis ; and his earnest words indicate his 
fidelity to them in his conscientious devotion to the principles of 
the fathers of the Republic. We can quote only the closing 
paragraph, passing over the logical and clear statement of the 
various attempts at .compromise, and always in favor of the 
South : — 

The crisis in our national affairs is one of gravest moment. I assume 
with awe the profound responsibility that rests upon those who now represent 
the people. I was not chosen by you in view of such events ; but I have 
regarded with jealous watchfulness the causes that have produced them, and 
I recognize the duties they enjoin. 

I am entreated in your behalf to make " concession " to slavery ; to make 
the slave-power, which has ruled us heretofore, more potent by Congressional 
legislation and by Constitutional amendment, so that it shall rule us hereafter 
also. It is said the Union may be saved by concession. I believe the Union 
has been dismembered now because of power gained ' by unwise concessions 
heretofore made. I believe that only firm adherence to the principles of our 
present Constitution will restore to us a more perfect union, and establish 
justice, and insure to us domestic tranquillity. 

The Rebellion had reached the gigantic proportions of a South- 
ern empire in arms, when the Congressional session of 1861-2 
opened with the vacant seats of those members, who, with their 
predecessors, had controlled the national legislation. Soon after 
the exciting debates commenced, Mr. Eliot introduced a resolu- 
tion, declaring the objects of the war to be the suppression of the 
Rebellion, and the re-establishment of the rightful authority of 
the Constitution and laws over the entire country, and declaring 
the right and duty of the military commanders to emancipate the 
slaves of rebel owners ; and, on the 12th of December, supported 
the resolution by a very able speech. A passage or two will re- 
veal the same old fire of freedom which burned in the hearts of 
men in the colonial days of resistance to an insolent foe. Mr. 
Eliot said, — 

I commence the debate upon the great questions involved in this resolu- 
tion, and the bills and resolutions which have been presented upon similar 
subjects by other gentlemen, with profound distrust of iny ability to discuss 
them thoroughly, but with a full, abiding, clear, and confident conviction 
that the good, common sound sense of the members of this House, their free 
instincts, tl^eir patriotic purposes, will enable them to mature a plan that shall 



70 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

at once embody the feelings, the wishes, the hopes, and the demands of our 
constituents and of all loyal men, and which will meet the great necessities 
of this occasion. 

Mr. Speaker, I desire to address myself to you in all frankness and sin- 
cerity. It is no time for set speech. The times themselves are not set. 
Speech is demanded, but such as shall crystallize into acts and deeds. 
Thoughts of men go beyond the form of words into the realities of things. 
When we came together the other day, I was impressed with the conviction 
that no time should be needlessly lost — no, not an hour — before the oppor- 
tunity should be presented to this House to express itself in some way, and 
to some extent to give utterance to its judgment, which should also be re- 
garded in a measure as the judgment of the people ; for we had just come 
from the people : and if, at any time, we would assume to represent their 
feelings, opinions, and judgment, it would be then. . . . 

No matter how, a few months ago', loyal men might have yearned that the 
old state of things should be restored, the status ante helium is impossible. 
The first blow which was struck at Fort Sumter rendered it impossible. 
Stimulated by mad ambition, that blow shattered the hopes of loyal men 
throughout the laud. No, sir ! no, sir ! Reconstruction must come ; but in 
the rebellious and seceding States, when it comes, it will come, I believe, 
without the presence of the slave ! 

Why, sir, when the President called for aid, nay, before he called, upon 
the day the attack was made upon Fort Sumter, who was there in the land 
that dreamed of the intense loyalty wliich lived in the hearts of our people ? 
We had been living for nearly fifty years in peace ; we had been divided 
among different parties ; we hud been carrying on the various pursuits of 
life ; we had success and prosperity ; cities had sprung from the ground in a 
day ; no nation had prospered so much as we. Who knew of our loyalty ? 
We had hated each other as politicians : who knew how we would love each 
other as loyal men ? Here, in this House, a Democrat of the Breckinridge 
school said to me last year that he would ])ledge himself that there would be 
from New York no less than an army of fifty thousand men who would come 
from their homes to fight against the North. Yet what an echo that Sumter 
gun created ! Why, sir, it sounded through the North and the East and 
the West ; and their star-tied population sprang to arms. It sounded through 
our valleys and over our plains ; and the deserted plough was left in the half- 
turned furrow by the yeomanry of the land. It sounded through our towns, 
villages, and cities ; and the mechanic left his shop, the merchant forgot his 
unbalanced ledger, and the lawyer left his cases untried, and, with his clients, 
hastened to the field. It sounded along the aisles of our churches ; and 
pastors and people, their prayers and their patriotism working to one end, 
marched to the war. IMore than six hundred thousand men are now in arms. 
They have left their homes, and on the land and on the sea are upholding 
the flag, and sustaining the power, and defending the honor, of the Govern- 
ment. 



THOMAS D. ELIOT. 71 

Sir, if we have a right to argue of the ways of Pvovidenee, we might say, 
without irreverence, that the hand of God points to us our duty. Our Piesi- 
dent may act, our Commander-in-Chief within his province, and iha officers 
under him in command, may act, and I believe are called upon to act, by 
every consideration of humanity and of patriotism ; and, coming from the 
Commonwealth I represent in part, — a State which has performed no small 
service in this war, — I call upon you to aid me in giving such expression of 
the judgment of this House as shall command respect. I am not here to 
boast of the bravery or the patriotism of JMassaehusetts soldiers. From 
the port where I have my home, more than fifteen hundred men have been 
shipped for our navy. From all our seaboard and inland towns, their skilful 
and hardy sons are found as masters upon the quarier-deck, and as seamen 
on board our ships. From our whole State, her young men are with the 
army. More than twenty thousand of her sons are in the field, ready and 
willing, as you know, to shed their hearts' blood in their country's cause. 

In their name, and in their behalf, I pray you to call upon the military arm 
to strike that blow more effective for poace and for freedom than armies or 
victories can be, and convert the slave, which is the power of the enemy, into, 
the free man who shall be their dread. So shall the sword intervene for 
freedom I If I have read the history of 3Iassachusetts aright, that is the 
intervention her fathers contemplated. In the early days of English free- 
dom, when constitutional liberty was beginning to find a home in the hearts 
of Englishmen, after Hampden and Eliot and their compatriots had been 
working in the cause, in the days of Charles, a young man, in an album 
which he found in a public library, wrote these two lines : — 

" Hasc manus, inimica tyrannis,. 
Ense petit placidam sub libar.tate quietem." 

" This hand, hostile to tyrants,. 
Seeks with the sword quiet rest in freedom." 

They called down upon his head the indignant rebuke of ark offended king: 
but the monarch has died, and Sidney has passed away ; yet, while Massachu- 
setts shall live, the linos he then inscribed shall bo remembered. In after- 
years, when our forefathers were seeking to find a motto for their State coat- 
of-arms, they could select none that seemed to them as pertinent as the last of 
those two lines ; and there it stands, — 

" Ease petit placidam sub libertate quietem." 

And now she asks, through the humblest of her sons, that the military power 
of our chief, hostile always to rebellion, shall thus, with the sword, find quiet 
rest in freedom. 

May 14, 1862, Mr. Eliot, as chairman of the Select Comaiaittee 
on Confiscation, reported two bills, — one for the confiscation 
of rebel property, and one for the emancipation of slaves of rebels. 



72 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The first bill was passed in the House of Representatives, and 
was sent to the Senate. 

The second bill was not passed as reported ; but an emancipa- 
tion bill was passed, which was not acted on in the Senate. 

The Senate rejected the Confiscation Bill as passed by the 
House, but passed it witli an amendment in the nature of a sub- 
stitute, and returned it to the House, where the Senate substitute 
was rejected, and the House bill insisted on, and a committee of 
conference was appointed. This committee incorporated the 
main provisions of the House and Senate bills into one bill, and 
inserted emancipation clauses ; and the bill was then passed in 
the House, July 11 ; and in the Senate, July 12. 

Mr. Eliot spoke in the House in support of the first confiscation 
and emancipation bills on May 20, 1862. 

It was calm, earnest reasoning, of which the key-note is given 
in a brief quotation : — 

The framers of our Constitution contemplated no confederated treason, 
nor was it within the range of their belief that the precise legislation which 
the present exigencies requii'e could be demanded ; but, when they ordained 
the Constitution, they declared in its immortal preamble the ends to be se- 
cured. Among other ends were these, — "to insure domestic tranquillity," 
and " to provide for the common defence." Domestic tranquillity is a politi- 
cal condition of things, the opposite of which a civil war exhibits. An 
organized and confederate rebellion cannot consist with such tranquillity. 
The purpose of the fathers was to establish a frame of government contain- 
ing powers sufficient to insure peace between the States, and between them 
and the General Government. 

On the 19th of January, 1863, Mr. Eliot introduced into the 
House of Representatives a bill to establish a " Bureau of Eman- 
cipation," which was referred to a select committee ; but, for 
want of time, it was not reported back to the House. The same 
bill was again brought before the House by him, in December, 
1864, and referred to a select committee on " Emancipation." 

Mr. Eliot, as chairman of the committee, reported back the bill 
establishing a "Bureau of Freedmen's Affairs" under the War 
Department, which was debated in the House, passed on the 
1st of March, 186-4, and sent to the Senate. The vote in the 
House stood, yeas 69, nays 67. On the 2.3th of May, 1864, Mr. 
Sumner, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Slavery and 
Freedmen, to which committee the House bill had been referred, 
reported it back to the Senate, with an amendment in the nature 
of a substitute ; and, on the 28th of June, the Senate amendment 



THOMAS D. ELIOT. 73 

was passed, and sent back to the House. On the last day of 
June, it was referred to the Select Committee, who recommended 
nou-concurrcnce with the Senate amendment ; and the House 
postponed the bill until Dec. 20. Congress adjourned sine die 
on the 4th of July. 

At the second session of the Thirty-eighth Congress, Dec. 20, 
18G-1, the Senate amendment was non-concurred in ; and a 
committee of conference appointed by the two Houses subse- 
quently agreed upon a bill establishing a " Department of Freed- 
men." The report of the committee was agreed to by the 
House, but not by the Senate ; and another conference commit- 
tee was appointed, who reported a bill to establish a Bureau of 
Freedmen and Refugees under the War Department. Their re- 
port was accepted by both Houses, and the bill was approved by 
the President. In regard to the final success of the measure, it 
might be difficult to decide whether the country is the most in- 
debted to Mr. Eliot in the House, or to Mr. Sumner in the Senate. 

When the bill establishing a " Bureau of Freedmen's Affairs " 
came up for discussion in the House, Mr. Eliot advocated its pas- 
sage in a speech delivered Feb. 10, 186-1. 

He thus closed his eloquent, patriotic, and humane appeal in 
behalf of three millions of emancipated slaves. In it he refers to 
a conversation with Mr. Lincoln just after the Proclamation of 
Emancipation had gone forth from his pen, — the crowning work 
and glory of his noble life. 

Shortly after that proclamation was made, I had an interview with the 
President; and he then said, "I think that proclamation will not of itself 
etiect the good which you anticipate, nor will it do the mischief which its 
opponents predict." But he " builded better than he knew." That act was 
the great act of his life. It has become greater daily in the judgment of the 
world ; and, in the ages that are to come, it will he the corner-stone of his 
immortal fame. Never before had such opportunity been given to man. 
For one, I reverently recognize the hand of God. He created the occasion, 
and his servant obeyed the divine command which it involved. . . . 

Why, sir, the case is too plain for argument. Now is the accepted time ; 
and this Congress will bear the deserved reproach, not only of this great- 
hearted nation, but of all nations of Christian men, if we falter in this work. 

Mr. Speaker, it has somewhat appeared already how the parties to this 
bill will be the better for the law. But I would take a wider \ievf of this 
grand work which the war has put upon us. From its commencement, no 
man has been able to anticipate events. Nothing has occurred as the wisest 
seer predicted. Great generals have failed, and men unknown to fame be- 
fore have conducted us to victory. Battles have been won in the valleys and 

10 



74 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION: 

" above the clouds " by a rank-and-file bravery which the annals of military 
history cannot rival. Who of us has not had occasion to say, " Not unto us, 
but unto thee, God ! be rendered the praise " ? 

And now, out of the war, a new nation of men has arisen. No power in 
Constitution, in President, or in people outside of the rebel States, could 
have held out to them its liberating arm in time of peace. The mad ambition 
of slave-owners, which struck at the life of the nation to give new life to 
slavery, disclosed the power to strike back the blow ; and, in the fulness of 
time, a man was found commissioned to the work. 

We read, that, in the beginning, God said, "Let there be light, and there 
was li^ht." But, since the beginning, human agencies have worked out the 
ways of Pro\'idence, and never in history since that great fiat has it been 
given to more than one man to lift from three million souls the darkness 
and the doom of slavery. Our duty he has assigned us now. I believe that 
this bill, wisely administered, will complete the work. 

It will enable the Government to help into active, educated, and useful 
life, a nation of freedmen who otherwise would gi'ope their way to usefulness 
throu'^h neglect and sufiering to themselves, and with heavy and needless loss 
to us. 

They are children of the Government. By the necessities of war deprived 
of the ouiding and controlling hand which had held in stern mastery their 
earthly destinies, they are unused to rights heretofore denied them ; yet they 
know somewhat of them by instinct and by association. No matter how 
abject the slavery, the idea of freedom is in the soul ; and, when the friendly 
hand has been extended, the freedman has shown capacity and will to walk 
as a man among men. What they require is to be made sure that they 
are free, to be furnished a chance to work, and to be guaranteed their 
reasonable wages. Work they understand. Their mothers worked before 
them, and went down into dishonored graves, cursed by the unpaid toil of 
bondage. But wages they have not owned ; and, in the right to earn and to 
enjoy them, they find their manhood. Soon they will find the place they 
have a right to fill. Quick to learn ; appreciating kindnesses, and returning 
them with veneration and afiection ; earnest to acquire property, because 
that, too, is proof of manhood, — they ask but opportunity and guidance 
and education for a season ; and then they will repay you, some thirty, and 
some sixty, and some a hundred fold. 

Without your legislation, the freedmen able to fight will be alienated from 
your cause ; the freedmen unfit for service, with the young and the aged 
and infirm, will be a charge upon your treasury. But give the aid which 
this bill can secure to them, and you will quickly find, not only that peace 
which comes from duty well discharged, but material strength and a recom- 
pense of reward, which, after all the expenses of your bureau shall have been 
defrayed, will contribute to your wealth. 

So shall this your act give to the freedmen of the South, and to all the 
freemen whom you represent, " beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, 
and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." 



ALEXANDER IJ. BICE. 75 

Mr. Eliot's strength, mental and physical, is unabated; and 
liis voice will still be heard amid the excitement of the debates in 
Congress, speaking clearly, firmly, and eloquently for the rights 
of all the people. 



ALEXANDER H. RICE 

Was born, Aug. 30, 1818, in Newton Lower Falls, where his 
father was engaged in paper manufacturing. He was one of ten 
children. After attending the public schools till about fifteen years 
of age, he went to Boston, and entered the mercantile business as 
clerk. His health failed at the end of two years ; and, returning 
home, ho resumed his studies. A year later, he went into a paper 
warehouse in Boston. During all these years, he intensely desired 
a liberal education, and secretly hoped, at a future period, to se- 
cure the boon. One day, he told his employer, Mr. John L. Wil- 
kins, a man of genuine culture, his cherished aspirations, and 
met with prompt encouragement. Again he went home, and 
immediately commenced preparation for college under Rev. Dr. 
Newton of West Newton. He entered Union College, Schenec- 
tady, N.Y., in 1840, taking a high position in scholarship; received 
an appointment to the post of honor in the exercises of commence- 
ment of lS-44:, and made the closing address, equivalent to the 
valedictory in other colleges. 

Mr. Rice's health was frail ; and he accepted, in 1845, a part- 
nership in the house of which he is now the senior member. 
Meanwhile, he devoted his leisure to literary pursuits. 

He was on the School Committee of Boston for several years, 
and Chairman of the Board of Governors of Charitable Institu- 
tions. 

In 1853 and 1854, Mr. Rice was a member of the Common 
Council ; and, in the latter year, he was elected its President. 
In 1855, he was chosen Mayor of Boston, and re-elected in 1856. 
He was very active in securing the establishment of the Free 
Library, — "• the only one," he remarked, " absolutely free in the 
country, and perhaps in the world." 

The speeches at the exercises of opening it were made by 
Edward Everett, Mr. Rice, and R. C. Winthrop. The address of 
Mr. Rice was so comprehensive and clear in its views, that it was 
quoted in leading English papers. 

He was elected member of the House of Representatives in the 
Thirty-sixth Congress, and re-elected to the Thirty-eighth and 



76 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Thirty-iiiiith Congresses. The speeches of Mr. Rice on Protec- 
tion in its Relation to Agriculture and Manufactures and upon 
the Country, at the opening of the late conflict, were highly 
commended. 

But his greatest work for the country in the civil war has been 
done as Chairman of the Committee oil Naval Affairs. 

In this capacity, his labors have been manifold. When the 
fierce attack, under the lead of the Hon. Henry Winter Davis, 
was made in Congress upon the Navy Department, Mr. Rice pre- 
pared hknself for the defence. A question of the most subtle 
scientific character, respecting certain applications of steam, had 
been for months before the committee. Mr. E. N. Dickinson, a 
scientific meclianical engineer of New York, affirmed that the 
principle adopted by the United-States Navy was radically wrong ; 
while Mr. B. F. Isherwood,Engineer-in-Chief of the Navy, denied 
the assertion entirely. 

The committee were seventy days taking testimony, making a 
formidable mass of manuscript. Mr. Rice addressed himself to 
the task of sifting this evidence, and consulting scientific works, 
till he was able to present one of the clearest, ablest, and most 
elaborate reports ever made before any legislative body. 

And when, on Feb. 3, 1865, Mr. Davis made his studied 
speech in favor of establishing a board of naval administration, 
aiming a blow at the legitimate exercise of authority in the de- 
partment, Mr. Rice, with no other preparation than could be made 
during Mr. Davis's remarks, replied in a logical, lucid, and most 
satisfactory speech of an hour and a half in length. We quote the 
closing passage of this eloquent defence of the navy : — 

As I have already said, from the dawn of the Rebellion until now, the 
navy has been everywhere that it could be, and always has done glorious and 
efficient service. The Mississippi and its tributaries are open to commerce 
again ; every port for blockade-runners upon the Atlantic and the Gulf has 
been closed ; all the strongholds seized by the enemy upon the coast have 
been recovered, and nearly every corsair driven from the ocean. The navy 
•was at Hatteras, at Port Royal, at Charleston, at Island No. 10, at Fort 
' Donelson, at Fort Henry, at Shiloh, at Memphis, at Vicksburg, at Arkansas 
Post, at Port Hudson, at Mobile Bay, and at Fort Fisher; and in all those 
places it added radiance to the American name, and glory to the American 
naval history, which no lapse of time shall be able to obUterate. It has 
placed upon the imperishable record of fame, to be transmitted amid the 
plaudits of mankind to the latest generations, such names as Stringham and 
Foote, and Du Pont and Farragut, and Goldsborough and Porter, and 



SAMUEL HOOPER. 77 

Dablgreu and Eodgers, and Rowan and Davis, and Winslo^y and Gushing. 
I should consume the day if I attempted to name them all. Their reputa- 
tion is secure in history ; it is secure in the hearts of their countrymen ; and 
when the final history of this war shall be written out, and the comparison 
shall be made of the manner in which the different departments of this Gov- 
ernment have executed the high and laborious and responsible trusts com- 
mitted to them, faithful and earnest as they have been, there will not be one 
of them that will stand brighter, or that will be more loudly or warmly com- 
mended by our successors, than will the Navy Department. And, sir, I 
cannot think that the well-earned fame of the naval service, this just 
meed of praise, will be diminished or obscured by any gentleman, however 
lofty his standing, or however brilliant his abilities, who asks you, in the light 
of these facts, to put over your Navy Department a board of administration 
which shall be a change without improvement, or who cites to you the fact, 
.that, in the accomplishment of the gigantic labors that have fallen to the lot 
of that department, it made a mistake in regard to the draught of a monitor, 
or an alleged, but not admitted, mistake in the construction of a double- 
ender. 

Mr. Rice is a gentleman iii feeling and action ; and the marked 
ability of his official service associates most honorably his name 
with the part taken by the Commonwealth in the victorious con- 
flict for national unity and liberty. 

THE HON. SAMUEL HOOPER'S 

Native place was Marblehead, where he first saw the light Feb. 3, 
1808. After the usual culture of the schools, followed by four 
years in a counting-room, he visited Europe and the West Indies. 
In 1832, he settled in Boston, engaging in the China trade, a 
partner in the firm of William Appleton & Co. He was elected 
to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1851 ; to the 
State Senate in 1857 ; and, in 1861, to the House of Representa- 
tives in Congress, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of 
William Appleton. He was Chairman of the Committee on Ways 
and Means ; and, re-elected to the Thirty-eighth Congress, he held 
the same position. Again elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress, he 
became Chairman of the Committee on Finance. It was here that 
he displayed that masterly knowledge of the difficult business 
properly before him that made him a confidential adviser of the 
Secretary of the Treasury, and won, in the highest degree, the 
confidence of the President. His name was conspicuous among 
the few from which that of the able Hugh McCulloch was selected 
for a place in the Cabinet. His judicious, practical course, amid 



78 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the fluctuations in the financial world during the war, has accom- 
plished much, in a quiet way, for the country, — a service whose 
value cannot easily be appreciated nor over-estimated by tliose 
who are not in the secret of that complicated and mighty machine 
of national progress, the Treasury Department, hi its connection 
with all business activity. 

THE HON. HENRY L. DAWES 

Was a native of Cummington, and is now fifty years of age. 
Graduating at Yale College in 18o9, he entered the profession of 
law. He edited at one time " The Greenfield Gazette." In 1848, 
he was chosen State Representative ; in 1850, to the Senate ; and 
again, in 1852, to tlie Lower House. He was a member of the 
Constitutional Convention in 1853 ; and District Attorney for 
the Western District until elected from the Tenth District to the 
Thirty-fifth Congress, in which he was on the Committee of 
Revolutionary Claims. Re-elected to the Thirty-seventh, Thirty- 
eighth, and Thirty-ninth Congresses, he has been Chairman of the 
Committee of Elections ; a post of duty of great importance to 
the country, and attended with many difficult questions, to which 
his practical ability was always equal. During tlie revolutionary 
period of the past five years, Mr. Dawes has done his work ably 
and well. 

THE HON. JOHN B. ALLEY. 

Is a resident of Lynn, his birthplace in 1817. While young, he 
was an apprentice in the shoe and leather business, to which he has 
since devoted himself when not engaged in public affairs. 

He was a member of the Governor's Council in 1851, and of 
the State Senate in 1852. He was a delegate to the Constitu- 
tional Convention, and representative in the Thirty-sixth, Thirty- 
seventh, Thirty-eighthj and Thirty-ninth Congresses. As Cliair- 
man of the Committee on Post-offices and Post-roads, iiis official 
duties necessarily, during the chaotic condition of all things at the 
South and on the border, often required excellent judgment and 
prudent action. He won and retains implicit confidence on the 
part of the Government, his colleagues, and his constituents. 

THE HON. DANIEL W. GOUCH 

Was a son of Maine, and born in Wells, January, 1820. He was 
graduated at Dartmouth College, and, in 184G, settled in Boston, 
a lawyer by profession. In 1852, he was elected to the State 



W. II. WASHBURN AND- OAKES AMES. 79 

Legislature. He was chosen member of the Thirty-fifth, Thirt}'-- 
sixth, and Thh'ty-seventh Congresses. He was on the Committee 
on Territories, and subsequently on the Committee on the Con- 
duct of the War. It was in this last responsible position that his 
influence was especially felt in the progress of the civil war. 

THE HON. W. B. WASHBURN AND THE HON. OAKES AMES. 

The Hon. William B. Washburn, of Greenfield, quietly met the 
questions before the House, in the national struggle, with the 
Christian patriotism which distinguishes him in the walks of 
private life. By him, in devotion to tlie country, stands the Hon. 
Oakes Ames, of North Easton, Massachusetts. Indeed, Massa- 
cbusetts brain and heart have had no small share in the political 
and moral conflicts and achievements in the halls of Congress 
and in the departments of State, as well as in the field of martial 
strife. 



CHAPTER V. 

MASSACHUSETTS ABROAD. 

Charles Francis Adams, Ambassador to the Court of St. James, London. — John Lothrop 
Motley, Ambassador to the Court of Austria, Vienna. — Anson Burlingame, Ambassa- 
dor to Pekin, China. 

11HE nations of Europe were deeply agitated by the outbreak 
of civil war in the United States. Mouarchs, and the aris- 
tocratic classes generally, desired a dismemberment of the Re- 
public. Such a catastrophe would strengthen in the popular mind 
the " divine right of kings," and secure the throne, and the 
proud distinctions it fosters, from the sacrilegious hands of tlie 
masses, awakening, in the light of American liberty, to the divine 
right of the people to enjoy freedom regulated by laws of their 
own making. 

The United States, therefore, found little sympatliy abroad, ex- 
cepting among the common people, and the few liberal minds in 
the higher ranks of society. England was ready in all ways pos- 
sible, under cover of national law and custom, to aid the leaders 
of the causeless and unexampled revolt. France occupied a 
similar position, though more cautiously taken. 

In the complications, commercial and political, which would 
arise among the foreign governments to a great extent (and none 
could tell how great), it was of the first importance to have able 
and wise representatives in foreign courts. 

Among the ministers to other nations, occupying prominent 
positions on the Eastern hemisphere, were three Massachusetts 
men. 

One has been in the mother - country, another in the most 
despotic nation of Europe, and the third in the Celestial Em- 
pire ; and, in the glimpse we take of them and their official 
services, we naturally begin with our minister to England, — 

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. 

He is a son of the illustrious John Quincy Adams, and was 
born in Boston, Aug. 28, 1807. When his father represented the 

80 



CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. 81 

United-States Government at St. Petersburg, in 1809, he accom- 
panied him, and spent six years in the Russian capital, learning 
to speak fluently, not only the dialect of the country, but also 
the German and French languages. 

In February, 1815, then in his eighth year, he went with his 
mother in a private carriage, from St. Petersburg to Paris, to meet 
his father, — a journey at anytime no trivial undertaking, but 
then, on account of the disturbed condition of Europe, attended 
with unusual embarrassments. 

On his appointment to a mission at the court of St. James, his 
father took Charles to England with him, and placed him in a board- 
ing-school. Here he sometimes had personal encounters with his 
school-fellows in the defence of the honor of his country against 
the insults of young England. Returning to Boston in 1817, he 
entered the Latin School, and subsequently Harvard College, 
graduating in 1825. 

The two succeeding years he passed in the Presidential man- 
sion, Washington, which was occupied by his father. He entered 
the law-office of Daniel Webster, at Boston, two years later ; and 
in 1828 was admitted to practice, but did not devote himself to 
his profession. Marrying, in 1829, the daughter of Peter C. 
Brooks, he became brother-in-law of Edward Everett; and, in 
addition to his own inheritance, the alliance was attended with a 
fortune to the family. The people of Boston, in 1841, chose him 
to represent them in the Legislature. The previous year, he had 
declined the nomination. 

Up to this time, his pursuits had been mainly literary. 
Greek was a special study with him ; and the Roman writers, as 
well as the greatest authors of more recent times, were his con- 
stant companions. Actuated by the scholarly impulses of a stu- 
dent, he declined a nomination to the State House of Representa- 
tives in 1841 ; but his father was so much disturbed by this appar- 
ent shrinking from public duty, that lis promised him to accept a 
second nomination if offered him the following year. After three 
years' service there, he took his seat in the State Senate. In 
1848, the Free-soil party nominated him for the Vice-Presidency. 
'■ The Life and the Works of John Adams," his grandfather, is 
highly creditable to his ability as an author and editor : a similar 
effort to preserve the annals of his distinguished father is prom- 
ised. The Letters of John Adams and Abigail Adams were edited 
by him, with an Introductory Memoir, in 1840, and were received 
with favor. 

11 



82 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

He was elected to Congress in 1858 ; and also a second time, 
serving one term, until March 4, 1861. He manifested in all 
Congressional deliberations that statemanship which has always 
characterized him in his public and official relations. The closing 
sentences of his speech, Jan. 31, 1861, when tlie Rebellion was 
lifting its horrid front, will illustrate his style, and his manner 
of treating important topics : — 

When the cry goes out that the ship is in danger of sinking, the first 
duty of every man on board, no matter what his particular vocation, is to lend 
all the strength he has to the work of keeping her afloat. What ! shall it be 
said that we waver in the view of those who begin by trying to expunge the 
sacred memory of the 4th of July? Shall we help them to obliterate the as- 
sociations that cluster around the glorious struggle for independence, or stul- 
tify the labors of the patriots who erected this magnificent political edifice 
upon the adamantine base of human liberty ? Shall we surrender the fame 
of Washington and Laurens, of Gadsden and the Lees, of Jefferson and 
Madison, and of the myriads of heroes whose names are imperishably con- 
nected with the memory of a united people 'i Never, never ! 

For myself, I can only interpose against what seems to me like the madness 
of the moon the barrier of a single feeble remonstrance ; but, in any event, 
it shall never be said of my share in the action of this hour of danger, that it 
has been guided by vindictive passions, or narrow considerations of personal 
or party advantage. I well know what I hazard, among many whose good 
opinion has ever been part of the sunlight of my existence, in following what 
I hold to be a higher duty. W^hilst at any and at all times I shall labor to 
uphold the great principles of liberty, without which this grand system of our 
fathers would seem to be a mockery and a show, I shall equally strive to give 
no just ground to enemies and traitors to expand the circle of mischief they 
may do. 

Although not very frequently indulging in the profession of a devotion to 
the Union, which has heretofore been too often associated with a public policy 
I deemed most dangerous to. its safety, I will venture to add, that no man 
over the boundless extent of our dominion has more reasons for inextinguish- 
able attachment to it than myself It is inwoven in my affections with the 
faithful labors in its support of two generations of my race ; it is blended 
with a not inconsiderable personal stake in its continuity ; it is mingled with 
my earnest prayers for the welfare of those who are treading after me ; and, 
more than all these, it colors all my visions of the beneficent spread of re- 
publican institutions, as well in America as over the rest of the civilized world. 

If, then, so great a calamity as a division be about to befall us, it shall be 
hastened by no act of mine. It shall come from the wilful passions of infat- 
uated men, who demand it of us, to destroy the great principles for which our 
fathers struggled in life and in death, to stain our standard with the symbol 
of human oppression, and to degrade us, in the very hour of our victory, 



JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY. 83 

before our countrymen, before all the nations of the civilized world, and be- 
fore God. Rather than this, let the heavens fall ! My duty is performed. 

In 1861, Mr. Adams was appointed envoy extraordinary and 
minister plenipotentiary to the court of St. James. His personal 
qualities of mind and character, and the prestige of his name, his 
father and grandfather having occupied the same high position, 
gave him influence at once in England. His services during the 
years of civil war demonstrated the wisdom of the appointment. 
The more than four hundred pages of printed correspondence 
between Secretary Seward and Mr. Adams, including that with 
other State officers, display a marvellous wisdom on the part of 
both in the management of new, delicate, and difficult questions. 
Mr. Adams's sagacity, prudence, and firmness were second only to 
Mr. Seward's in his negotiations with the English Government. 

The Secretary used the following language in his note to Mr. 
Adams, June 5, 1862 : — 

The prejudice that we found prevailing in England soon after the civil 
war began, to the effect that this Government desired to challenge Great 
Britain to a war for popular effect at home, has been inveterate. It is pleas- 
ing, however, to discover that at last the equally prudent and just policy we 
have so constantly pursued is beginning to be appreciated by the British 
Government. No one has done more to correct the injurious error refeiTed 
to than you have done. 

Mr. Adams's course against permitting the iron-clads at Laird's 
to depart on their destructive errand " was distinctly and unre- 
servedly approved." Indeed, whenever he acted officially, he was 
cordially sustained. The clear statements of mooted points, the 
exact estimate of what was demanded in the most trying emer- 
gency, and the uncompromising firmness in maintaining the honor 
of the Republic, without exasperating unfriendly feeling, will 
place the name of Charles Francis Adams among the ablest diplo- 
matists of any country or age. The nation owes him a debt of 
profound gratitude for his distant yet efficient services during a 
rebellion which reached even the shores of England. 

JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY, 

The American minister to Austria, was born in Dorchester, 
Norfolk County, April 15, 1814, He graduated at Harvard 
College in 1831, and soon afterwards embarked for Europe. 
Proceeding to Guttingen, Germany, he spent a year there, and, 
removing to Berlin, was in that city about the same period. 



84 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

After travelling in the south of Europe, he returned to America, 
and commenced the study of law. He was admitted to the bar 
in 1837. The profession was dry, and unattractive to his literary 
cast of mind ; and he never gave his energies to it. 

In 1840, he went to Russia as secretary of legation at St. 
Petersburg. 

During the next six years, he published two volumes of ro- 
mance, one of which, " Merry Mount," was founded upon inci- 
dents in Massachusetts colonial history. 

He also contributed several valuable articles to the reviews. A 
History of Holland was commenced in 1846, and reached two 
volumes ; when, to have access to material he could not find in 
this country, he sailed with his family for Europe again. The 
fresh and rich resources of information he obtained dissatisfied 
him with his annals ; and he laid them aside to commence anew 
the work, with the title, " History of the Dutch Republic." It 
was published in London in 1856, in three volumes octavo, and 
had a rapid sale ; reaching, by the year 1860, about fifteen thou- 
sand copies. It was republished in America, with a steady and 
growing demand. It has been translated into Dutch and 
German. 

The exhaustive and attractive work gave the author a reputa- 
tion wide as the domain of letters. 

Mr. Motley's residence abroad was divided, for the most part, 
between Berlin, Dresden, and the Hague. He visited the United 
States in 1858, but, after a brief stay, returned' to the Continent. 
His next great literary work was "The United Netherlands," in 
three volumes. 

The University of Oxford, England, conferred upon him the 
degree of D.C.L. in 1860 ; and Harvard College, that of LL.D. 

A few months later, he was appointed American ambassador 
to the court of Austria, and has occupied the important official 
position with credit to himself, and honor to the country. 

"When Napoleon decided to offer the throne of Mexico to Maxi- 
milian, it gave occasion to a correspondence between Mr. Motley 
and Mr. Seward in regard to the proper bearing of the American 
minister in the complication of national claims and rights. 

Mr. Motley's resume., from time to time, of European affairs in 
their relation to our country in the midst of a gigantic war, were 
enlightened and comprehensive, meeting the warmest approval at 
Washington. 

Mr, Seward's reply to Mr. Motley, Feb. 26, 1863, is an example 



ANS02i BURLINGAME. 85 

of this uniform appreciation of the able discharge of difficult 
duties : — 

Your very interesting despatch of Jan. 27 has been received. The sur- 
vey of Continental politics which you have taken in this paper is full of in- 
struction. If questions purely dynastic, or of mere administration, or, at 
most, of political organization, can make and keep so many European nations 
so unquiet as to require constant vigilance on the part of the governments, 
one would expect that they would be tolerant of this government in its efforts 
to preserve, in its full efficiency, a system that is so perfect as to be undis- 
turbed by questions of those sorts, and encounters an opposition or resistance 
from only one disturbing cause, — and that one African slavery, wliich the 
public sentiment of mankind elsewhere unanimously condemns. 

Mr. Motley wisely avoided raising an issue on the Mexican 
question, or the discussion of it, at the court of Vienna. Ameri- 
ca is justly proud of an ambassador whose genius, culture, and 
character so much honor the nation which he represents. 

ANSON BURLINGAME. 

Mr. Burlingame, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipoten- 
tiary to China, is a native of New Berlin, Chenango County, N. Y. 
He was born Nov. 14, 1822. 

On the wild Western frontiers he passed his early youth, 
engaged in surveys of boundary-lines, and in the formation of 
treaties with the aborigines. He commenced his course of liberal 
education in the Branch University of Michigan, but, removing 
to Massachusetts, entered Harvard College, and graduated in 
1846. He then studied law, and opened an office in Boston. 

Mr. Burlingame was sent to the State Senate in 1852, and, the 
next year, was a member of the Constitutional Convention of the 
Commonwealth. 

Elected to the Thirty-fourth Congress, he was an active, influ- 
ential member. He was re-elected to the Thirty-fifth, and served 
ably on the Committee of Foreign Affairs ; and again, in the fol- 
lowing session, had the same honorable position. 

Under the administration of Mr. Lincoln, he was sent, in 1861, 
ambassador to Austria, and soon after to China. 

His first letter to Mr. Seward was dated Aug. 23 of that 
year; and the acknowledgment of it, Dec. 9; indicating the 
long interval which must necessarily lie between the depart- 
ure of a message from an office of legation at the antipodes, 



86 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

and the arrival of an answer from Washington, — time enough lor 
a revolution to sweep, over half a continent. 

Mr. Burlingame's management of treaties which opened trade 
in Chinese ports, and extended it abroad, securing advantages to 
other countries with our own, and his successful efforts for the 
protection of foreign residents in Shanghai, were emphatically 
indorsed at home and abroad. 

Sept. 9, 1863, Mr. Seward wrote,— 

The policy which yovi have adopted in the conduct of your responsible 
mission is able and wise ; it is also just towards the Chinese Government 
and people, and liberal towards all other nations. It is an occasion of special 
felicitation that it meets the eoncuiTenee of the enlightened representatives of 
Great Britain, Russia, and France. 

Mr. Burlingame's defence of Gen. Burgoine, the successor of 
the Americo-Chinese hero, Ward ; his efforts in regard to tlie sani- 
tary condition of Shanghai, which caused the opening of a new 
gate to the city, and the drainage of stagnant waters before it ; 
and his cautious, decided treatment of all questions of national 
policy, however nearly or remotely connected with rebellion in 
China and in America, — won for him, in official form, the most 
flattering acknowledgments of indebtedness from men represent- 
ing the interests of different nations. 

The honor and prosperity of the nation abroad were safe in the 
hands of our American minister in China during the changing 
fortunes of the civil war 



4W3^lMf 




Et'lHrLS'L5\g_S1 



PAUT 11. 



MASSACHUSETTS IN THE FIELD. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE STATE PREPARES FOR WAR. 



The Signs of the coming Conflict. — Massachusetts takes the Alarm. — The Prophetic 
Words of Adjutant-Gen. Schouler. — The Action of the Governor and Legislature. — 
The Volunteer Militia. 

THE threatening agitation at the South early in the winter of 
1860, ridiculed by many at the North as a transient ebulli- 
tion of feeling, was regarded in Massachusetts with serious appre- 
hension. With the vigilance and the promptness of her youthful 
days, slie began to gird herself for the conflict. 

An incident illustrative of Massachusetts loyalty, unknown to 
the public at the time, wliich places her quite in advance of all 
other States in the oifer of her sons to confront the armed foes 
of our nationality, occurred just before the evacuation of Fort 
Moultrie. The first mention of it in a popular assembly was 
made by the hero of Sumter on July 4, 1865. With the peerless 
naval commander, Vice-Admiral Farragut, he was welcomed to 
Boston in a grand reception at Faneuil Hall, during which he 
remarked, — 

I am indebted to Massachusetts for many things ; and before I sit down I 
will simply remark, that the first letter I received in Fort Moultrie, before 
I went to Fort Sumter, when it was found that things were looking very 
threatening (and I felt the storm there long before you saw the flash here)^ 
— the tirst letter I received was from a gentleman, I am sorry I do not re- 
member his name, a miUtia officer of this city, offering me troops from Mas- 
sachusetts if the Government would then allow them to he sent to me. 

On July 6, in Faneuil Hall, Brig.-Gen. Edward W. Hinks was 
introduced to Gen. Anderson by the Mayor as "the gentleman 

87 



88 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

who wrote to him when he was iu Fort Moultrie, tendering him 
the Massachusetts troops." A cordial greeting followed ; and 
Gen. Anderson said he would have accepted the proffered assist- 
ance if he had had the authority. He was loudly called for, and 
came forward to the platform with Gen. Hinks, and said to the 
audience, — 

My Friends and Fellow-citizejis, — I wish to present to you Brig. -Gen. 
Hinks, the first volunteer of the war, and to thank him in your name as well 
as my own for a letter which he sent me when I took command of Fort 
Moultrie, in which he assured me, that, if the Government would allew, he 
would forward to me friends and soldiers from Massachusetts. I wish you to 
rememljer this first volunteer. 

Gen. Hinks, who was retiring, was brought back by the Mayor ; 
and cries for a speech, mingled with cheers, saluted him. The 
general, with a few modest words of allusion to the distinguished 
visitors, who were the Alpha and Omega of the war, retired amid 
the popular applause. 

We add an extract from Gen. Anderson's interesting letter, 
the first from the field of hostile demonstrations, dated " Fort 
Moultrie, Dec. 25, 1860." After thanking Col. Hinks for his 
patriotic and chivalrous offer, he thus concludes : — 

When I inform you that my garrison consists of only sixty effective men j 
that we are in a very indifferent work, the wails of which ai-e only about 
fourteen feet high ; and that we have, within a hundred and sixty yards of our 
walls, sand-hdls which command our work, and which afford admirable sites for 
batteries, and the finest covers for sharpshooters ; and that, besides this, there 
are numerous houses, some of them within pistol-shot, — you will at once see, 
that if attacked in force, headed by any one but a simpleton, there is scarce a 
possibility of our being able to hold out long enough to give our friends time 
to come to our succor. Trusting that God will not desert us in our hour of 
trial, I am very sincerely yours, 

EOBERT ANDERSON, 

Major \st Artillery. 

A few days before this letter was written, South Carolina had 
taken the initiatory in the work of dissolving the Union. The 
governor's message upon the crisis urged the legislature to pre- 
pare to defy the power of the United States ; and the convention 
of the State found no opposition to tlie Ordinance of Secession. 

Before the holidays had passed, the members of Congress 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED. 89 

from South Carolina had resigned their seats, and the Ordinance 
of Secession was passed by the State. A Confederate Congress 
had assembled, and Major Anderson was within the walls of Fort 
Sumter, for whose greater security from the menacing passions 
of treasonable men he had abandoned Fort Moultrie. 
A graphic writer thus sketches the rushing events : * — 

The process of dissolution was not confined to the secession of States 
and the withdrawal of members from Congress. Members of the Cabmet 
residing in the Southern States considered their allegiance to their States 
superior to that to the United States. Dec. 10, Cobb of Georgia, Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, and, the 29th, Floyd of Mrginia, Secretary of War, 
resigned their places in the Cabinet. Through their unparalleled treachery 
to the Government that had given them the highest confidence, they had 
so crippled the forces of the Union, in the robbing of money and arms, that 
the interests of secession were assisted nearly into an equahty of power with 
the rest of the Union. 

The work thus commenced was not to be half-way : the position taken 
was to be sustained by arms. In December, South Carolina's legislature 
authorized the seizure of all arsenals, arms, and forts within her hmits. Jan. 
3, Gov. Brown of Georgia ordered the seizure of Forts Pulaski and Jack- 
son, at Savannah ; on the 4th, the authorities of Alabama seized Fort 
Morgan; on the 10th, the authorities of Mississippi seized the forts and 
other United-States property within her limits ; on the 12th, the navy-yai'd 
and property at Pensacola were taken ; on the 28th, the rebels of Louisiana 
took the United-States revenue-cutter and other property, and the money in 
the mint at New Orleans ; and, to complete this list of pluudeiing. Gen. 
Twiggs of Texas surrendered the United-States forces and property in his 
hands into the power of the rebels. The forts seized were amied and 
manned, the arsenals were robbed, the militia of the cotton States was called 
out, and every material preparation made to withstand any attempt of the 
Union for self-preservation. Legislatures were convened, minute-men organ- 
ized, mass meetings held, the suspension of banks was legalized, millions 
were voted to carry out the nefarious designs of the secessionists. Southern 
rights associations were organized. Northern men were daily arrested. Union 
men were awed into silence, the levying of executions issuing from the United- 
States courts was prevented by legislatures, rehgious conferences passed reso- 
lutions favoring secession, and Palmetto and State flags were flying every- 
where, and everywhere the stars and stripes were hauled down, and trailed 
in the dust. The news of secession was hailed with acclamations of delight ; 
and, to close this saturnaHa, two hundred and sixteen of the patients in the 
United-States hospital at New Orleans were removed to make room for the 

♦ Mass. Register, 1862, p. 120. 
12 



90 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

secession troops of Louisiana. Theft was honored, robbery justified, and in- 
humanity to the sick became a public virtue; law, order, peace, brotherly 
love, patriotism, and respect for historical memories, all declined to their con- 
founding contraries. 

Amono- the leadino; men, the Governor of Florida, Gov. Moore of Alaba- 
ma, Letcher of Virginia, and Moore of Louisiana, Cobb, Johnson, and Floyd, 
in the Cabinet, senators Clingman of North Carolina, and Toombs of Georgia, 
the Governors of Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kentucky, and 
Barnwell, Orr, and Adams, the three South-Carolina commissioners to Wash- 
ington, and Ex-Governor Moorehead, of Kentucky, Davis, Beauregard, and a 
host of others, leading men, all honorable men in the South, men nourished 
into growth and power by the Union, now turned their faces and their swords 
against that Union, to destroy it. 

The only method there seems to have been in the madness of 
secession was the determination of the Southern leaders to sever 
as rapidly as possible every tie that bound them to the national 
government. Gen. Benjamin P. Butler of Lowell was at this 
time in Washington, conferring with his political friends of tlie 
South. They said to him, "The North can't fight: we have 
friends enough at the North to prevent it." 

" You have friends at the North," replied Gen. Butler, " as 
long as you remain true to the Constitution; but let me tell 
you, that, the moment it is seen that you mean to break up the 
country, the North is a unit against you. I can answer at least 
for Massachusetts. She is good for ten thousand men to march 
at once against armed secession." 

" Massachusetts is not such a fool. If your State should send 
ten thousand men to preserve the Union against Southern seces- 
sion, she will liave to fight twice ten thousand of her own citizens 
at home who will oppose the policy." 

" No, sir : when we come from Massachusetts, we shall not 
leave a single traitor behind, unless he is hanging on a tree." 

" Well, we shall see." 

" You ivill see. I know something of the North, and a good 
deal about New England, where I was born, and have lived forty- 
two years. We are pretty quiet there now, because we don't 
believe that you mean to carry out your threats. We have heard 
the same story at every election these twenty years. Our people 
don't yet believe you are in earnest. But let me tell you this, — 
as sure as you attempt to break up this Union, the North will 



THE FIRST OFFER OF TROOPS. — PROPHETIC WORDS. 91 

resist the attempt to its last man and its last dollar. You are as 
certain to fail as that there is a God in heaven. One thing you 
maij do : you may ruin tlie Southern States, and extinguish your 
institution of slavery. From the moment the first gun is fired 
upon the American flag, your slaves will not be worth five years' 
purchase ; but, as to breaking up the country, it cannot be done. 
God and Nature, and the blood of your fathers and mine, have 
made it one ; and one country it must remain." 

While these hostile demonstrations were occurring at the 
South, Adjutant-Gen. Schouler wrote from the State House in 
Boston, on the last day of December, 18G0, the following commu- 
nication, which proved to be prophetic of a national tragedy and 
trial, wliich but few were then willing to believe to be possible: — 

Events have transpired in some of the Southern States, and at Washington, 
which have awakened the attention of the people of Massachusetts in a re- 
markable degree to the perpetuity of the Federal Union, and which may 
require the active militia of the Commonwealth to be greatly auo-mented. 
Should our worst fears be realized, and this nation be plunged into the hor- 
rors of civil war, upon Massachusetts may rest, in no inconsiderable degree, 
the duty of staying the effusion of blood, and of rolling back the black tide 
of anarchy and ruin. She did more than her share to achieve the independ- 
ence of our country, and establish the Government under which we have 
risen to such unparalleled prosperity, and become the great power of the 
American continent ; and she will be true to her history, her traditions, and 
her fair fame. 

Should it become necessary to increase the number of her active militia to 
a war-footing, the present organization offers an easy and a good means. The 
present companies could be filled to their full complement of men, and tlie 
regiments to their full complement of companies. New regiments of infantry, 
new battalions of riflemen, new companies of artillery and cavalry, could be 
formed with which to fill the several brigades, and make our present divis- 
ions five thousand men each, with proper apportionment of the several mili- 
tary arms. Tliis, of course, would require a large outlay of money, which 
would doubtless be cheerfully met by our people if their honor and the wel- 
fare of their country demand it of them. 

In the mean time, I would suggest that a General Order be issued calling 
upon commanders of the companies of the active force to forward to head- 
quarters the names of the persons composing tlieir commands, also their 
places of residence, so that a complete roll of each company may be on file 
in this department. 

The companies that have not their full quota of men should be filled by 
new enlistments to the number fixed by law ; and, whenever new enlist- 
ments are made or discharges given, the names of the persons enlisted and 



92 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

discharged should be forwarded immediately to headquarters, and placed on 
file. 

At the State dinner to the Independent Company of Cadets on 
the evening of Jan. 2, 1861, Ex-Gov. Banks gave a toast in honor 
of Major Anderson, then besieged. It was responded to by Adju- 
tant-Gen. Schoiiler in a short address, in which were these words, 
which may be considered as expressing the general views of the 
Old Bay State : " We have no boasts to make. History tells 
what the men of Massachusetts have done, and they will never 
disgrace that history." He closed his speech with the following 
toast : — 

The Militia of Massachusetts, — True to the State, tme to the Union : 
without any blustering or bravado, they will defend the Constitution and the 
flag of the Union. 

President Buchanan's National Fast, on the 4th of January, was 
made the occasion of patriotic sermons by the clergymen of Bos- 
ton. The whole State at this time was in a feverish condition 
of anxiety. 

In one of his valedictory addresses, all of which were aglow 
with patriotic fervor, Gov. Andrew, referring to Major Ander- 
son's moving from Fort Moultrie to Sumter, remarked, " Cer- 
tainly never an act so slight in itself touched the hearts of so 
many millions of people, as with fire from heaven, as the recent 
simple, soldier-like, and patriotic movement of Major Anderson 
at Fort Moultrie." 

The tidings of Major Anderson's removal to Fort Sumter, an 
event which doubtless decided the course in regard to the revolt 
of the great cotton State, Georgia, thoroughly aroused Gen. But- 
ler to the inevitable struggle at hand. He called upon Senator 
Wilson, and expressed earnestly the hope that Gov. Andrew 
would immediately summon Massachusetts to a preparation for 
the war at hand. It must be conceded by all, that Gen. Butler's 
loyalty rose above partisan and personal affinities, and spoke 
clearly and promptly the prevalent spirit of the Commonwealth. 
He gave to the Governor, who was watching, with sad anticipa- 
tions of an outbreak, the progress of treason, the benefit of his 
experience in familiar intercourse with the Southern leaders of 
rebellion, and declared it to be their intention to fight, if neces- 
sary, for independence. 

In the Governor's Address to the Legislature, Jan. 5, 1861, 
the whole number of enrolled militia, for the year which had 



THE GOVERNOR ON THE CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY. 93 

just closed, was stated to be 155,389 men ; and the active militia 
ready for service, 5,592 : of these he said, "In respect to good 
conduct, discipline, spirit, and capacity proportioned to its numer- 
ical force, I am advised that our active citizen soldiery was never 
in a condition of greater efficiency." 

His remarks upon the "condition of the country" were calm, 
loyal, and appropriate. 

With a wise discernment of the true nature of the impending 
crisis, he predicted that emancipation, in some form, lay " at the 
end of the road which South Carolina invited her sister States 
upon the Gulf of Mexico to enter." 

Alluding to the extraordinary and exciting political events of 
the last twenty years, he said of the National Government, — 

The people of Massachusetts have never wavered from their faith in its 
principles, or their loyalty to its organization. Looking forward to the long 
ages of the future, building always in their own minds for countless gener- 
ations yet to come, they have endured, and are willing still cheerfully and 
hopefully to endure, much wrong and more misconception, because they trust 
in the blood inherited from heroic ancestors; in the principles of constitu- 
tional liberty ; in the theory of democratic institutions ; in the honest purpose 
of the intelligent masses of the people everywhere ; in the capacity of Truth 
and Right ultimately to reach and control the minds of men ; in an undying 
affection for their whole country, its memories, traditions, and hopes ; and, 
above all, in the good providence of God. 

In regard to the great issue, he added, — 

And the single question now presented to the nation is this : Shall a re- 
actionary spirit, unfriendly to liberty, be permitted to subvert a democratic 
republican government organized under constitutional forms ? 

Upon this issue, over the heads of all mere politicians and partisans, in 
behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I appeal directly to the warm 
hearts and clear heads of the great masses of the people. The men who own 
and till the soil, who drive the mills, and hammer out their own iron and 
leather on their own anvils and lapstones, and they who, whether in the city 
or the country, reap the rewards of enterprising industry and skill in the 
varied pursuits of business, are honest, intelligent, patriotic, independent, and 
brave. They know that simple defeat in an election is no cause for the dis- 
ruption of a government. They know that those who declare that they will 
not live peaceably within the Union do not mean to live peaceably out of it. 
They know that the people of all sections have a right, which they intend to 
maintain, of free access from the interior to both oceans, from Canada to 
the Gulf of Mexico, and of the free use of all the lakes and rivers and hich- 
ways of commerce, North, South, East, or West. They know that the Union 



94 ilASSACHUSETTS IX THE BEBELLIOX. 

means peace, and unfettered commercial intercourse fi-om sea to sea, and from 
shore to shore ; that it secures us all against the unfriendly presence or pos- 
sible dictation of any foreign power, and coimnands respect for our flag, and 
secui-ity for our trade ; and they do not intend, nor will they ever consent, 
to be excluded from these rights which they have so long enjoyed, nor to 
abandon the prospect of the benefits which humanity claims for itself by 
means of their continued enjoyment in the future. Neither will they consent 
that the continent shall be overnin by the A-ictims of a remorseless cupidity, 
and the elements of civil danger increased by the barbarizing influences which 
accompany the African slave-trade. Inspired by the same ideas and emotions 
which commanded the fraternization of Jackson and Webster on another 
great occasion of public danger, the people of Massachusetts, confiding in the 
patriotism of their brethren in other States, accept this issue, and respond, 
in the words of Jackson, ''The Federal Union, — it must he preserved! " 

Until we complete the work of rolling back this wave of rebellion which 
threatens to ingulf the government, overthi'ow democratic institutions, subject 
the people to the rule of a minority, if not of mere military despotism, and in 
some communities to endanger the very existence of civilized society, we can- 
not turn aside, and we will not turn back. It is to those of our brethren in 
the disaffected States whose mouths are closed by a temporary reign of terror, 
not less than to ourselves, that we owe this labor, which, with the help of 
Providence, it is our duty to perform. 

Brig.-Gen. Edward W. Pierce, commanding Second Brigade, 
First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in a letter to 
Gov. Andrew, made the first formal oflfer of troops : — 

Headquarters Second Brigade, 
AssoxET ViLL-VGE, Feeetowx, Jan. 5, 1S61. 

To his Excellency John A. Andrew, Captain^ General and Commander-in- 
Chief Massachusetts Volunteers : — 

Having for full half the entire years of ray life been enrolled in the volun- 
teer militia of this Commonwealth, and during fifteen of these years having 
been honored with a commission in this branch of the public service, I had 
come fully to the conclusion that my part of the burden had already been 
borne, and my share of its honors had been received. 

With this view of the matter, I had contemplated resigning my commis- 
sion, and soliciting your Excellency to grant me a discharge from its duties, as 
one of the earliest acts of your administration. 

The recent outbreak in a sister State of the honored Confederation in 
which we had the good fortune to be born, and under whose laws (good and 
wholesome for the most part) we have enjoyed the inestimable privileges of 
"life, hberty, and the pursuit of happiness;" the threatening attitude 
assumed by acts and wicked designs toward the Constitution and Union 



LETTER OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL PIERCE. 95 

of these States, — lias caused me to demur, lest my conduct should seem to 
show a disposition to vacate my post and desert the cause of ray country in 
the day of danger or in the hour of peril. 

Indee<l, so far am I removed, both in thought and wish, from conduct so 
dastardly, all intention of resigning my position in the militia is. for the pres- 
ent, abandoned, and every vestige of such inclination has fled. 

Contented and happy to retain, and, if necessity shall require it, to act by 
virtue of, my present commission, in repelling invasion from these shores, I am 
no less ready to resign, and accept a place in one of the companies that 
the emergeucies of the case may requne to be raised in our own State towards 
recruiting the Federal aimy ; and your Excellency will be pleased to under- 
stand that my services hereby are so tendered. 

With sentiments of the highest respect, I have the honor to remain 
Yours, &c., 

EBENEZER W. PIERCE, 
Brig.-Gen. commanding 2d Brig. 1st Div. M. V.M. 

The Saturday on which this communication was dated was 
crowded with marked and significant events. 

Through the generous loyalty of the merchants of Boston, a 
sahite of a hundred guns was fired on the Common, in honor of 
Major Anderson, by a detachment of the Boston Liglit Artillery. 

On the 8th, Gov. Andrew ordered a salute to be fired throughout 
the State in honor of Gen. Jackson's victory at New Orleans. He 
said to a friend, that he did this, more than any thing else, " to stir 
up the people, and awaken tlie military spirit,'^ which, he knew, 
must soon be called out by the national exigencies. Almost amid 
the roar of the cannon, Ex-Gov. Boutwell made a strong speech 
upon the secession movements in Charleston ; and there was also 
held a spirited meeting of the survivors of the war of 1812. 

The very next day, the '' Star of the West," an unarmed 
steamer, bearing supplies to the famishing Spartan band that gar- 
risoned Fort Sumter, was fired upon by United-States guns in 
the hands of rebellious citizens, and compelled to turn her prow 
northward, with the food designed for the defenders of the na- 
tional flag. 

On the 11th, Government troops embarked on the steamer 
" Joseph Whitney,*' at Fort Independence, for the Southern bor- 
der. The same day, the General Government detailed men to 
put in order Fort Adams, at Newport, — tbe capital of the 
smallest State of the Union in area, but second to none in 
generous loyalty in the opening struggle. 

Jan. 16, 18'31, the Governor issued the following very compre- 



96 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

hensive and explicit General Order, marked No. 4, — the grand 
basis of all the subsequent military movements in the Common- 
wealth : — 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

Headquakteks, Boston, Jan. 16, 1861. 
General Orders, No. 4. 

Events which have recently occurred, and are now in progress, require 
that Massachusetts should be at all times ready to furnish her quota of troops, 
upon any requisition of the President of the United States, to aid in the 
maintenance of the laws and the peace of the Union. His Excellency the 
Commander-in-Chief therefore orders, — 

That the commanding officer of each company of volunteer militia examine 
with care the roll of his company, and cause the name of each member, to- 
gether with his rank, and place of residence, to be properly recorded, and a 
copy of the same to be forwarded to the office of the Adjutant-General ; pre- 
vious to which, commanders of companies shall make strict inquiries whether 
there are men in their commands, who from age, physical defect, business, or 
family causes, may be unable or indisposed to respond at once to the orders 
of the Commander-in-Cliief, made in response to the call of the President of 
the United States, that they may be forthwith discharged, so that their places 
may be filled by men ready for any public exigency which may arise, when- 
ever called upon. 

After the above orders have been fulfilled, no discharge, either of officer or 
private, shall be granted, unless for cause satisfactory to the Commander-in- 
Chief 

If any companies have not the number of men allowed by law, the com- 
manders of the same shall make proper exertions to have the vacancies filled, 
and the men properly drilled and uniformed, and their names, and places of 
residence, forwarded to headquarters. 

To promote the objects embraced in this order, the general, field, and 
staif officers, and the adjutant and acting quartermaster-general, will give all 
the aid and assistance in their power. 

Major-Generals Sutton, IMorse, and Andrews will cause this order to be 
promulgated throughout their respective divisions. 

By command of his Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor and Gom- 

mander-in- Chief, 

WILLIAM SCHOULER, 

Adjutant^ General, 

The members of Gov. Andrew's staff were efficient officers in 
carrying forward the warlike measures in which he suddenly 



MILITARY OPERATIONS IX THE STATE. 97 

found himself to be the principal actor. The names of those who 
thus stood by his side were Lieut. -Col. Horace B. Sargent, Lieut.- 
Col. Harrison Ritchie, Lieut. -Col. J. N. Wetherell, and Lieut.-Col. 
Henry Lee, jun. 

Lieut.-Col. Lee was very active, making estimates of the equip- 
ments necessary, and securing the vessels required to transport 
the troops. Lieut.-Col. John Quincy Adams, who succeeded 
Lieut.-Col. Sargent in December, 1861, not only most admirably 
filled the place, but was a warm, confidential friend of the Gov- 
ernor during the exciting progress of the war. Correspondence 
was opened with Gen. Scott at Washington, Charles Francis 
Adams, and other responsible gentlemen, to secure accurate 
information of the startling revolt, and to be ready for its darkest 
hour. 

The Governor had also a Legislature which represented, by a 
decided majority, the true heart of the Commonwealth. He was 
left free to act promptly and nobly in the dire emergency. 

On the 18th of January, the first legislative action of this, and, 
we believe, of any other State, was had in the passage of the fol- 
lowing resolutions : — 

Whereas, Several States of the Union have, through the action of theii- 
people and authorities, assumed the attitude of rebellion against the National 
Government ; and whereas, treason is still more extensively diffused ; and 
tvhereas, the State of South Carolina, having first seized the post-office, custom- 
house, moneys, arms, munitions of war, and fortifications of the Federal Gov- 
ernment, has, by firing upon a vessel in the service of the United States, 
committed an act of war ; and whereas, the forts and property of the United 
States in Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida, have been seized, with 
treasonable and hostile intention ; and whereas, senators and representa- 
tives in Congress avow and sanction these acts of treason and rebellion : 
therefore 

Resolved, That the Legislature of Massachusetts, now, as always, con- 
vinced of the inestimable value of the Union, and the necessity of preserving 
its blessings to ourselves and our posterity, regard with unmingled satisfac- 
tion the determination evinced in the recent firm and patriotic special mes- 
sage of the President of the United States to amply and faithfully discharge 
bis constitutional duty of enforcing the laws and preserving the integrity of 
the Union ; and we proffer to him, through the Governor of the Common- 
wealth, such aid in men and money as he may require to maintain the 
authority of the National Government. 

Resolved, That the Union-loving and jiatriotie authorities, representatives, 
and citizens of those States whose loyalty is endangered or assailed by in- 
ternal treason, who labor in behalf of the Federal Union with unflinching 
13 



98 MASSACHUSETTS IN TEE REBELLION. 

courage and patriotic devotion, will receive the enduring gratitude of the 
American people. 

Resolved, That the Governor be requested to forward, forthwith, copies of 
the foregoing resolutions to the President of the United States and the Gov- 
ernors of the several States. 

During the same session of the Legislature, a bill was passed, 
making an appropriation of twenty-five thousand dollars, and au- 
thorizing the Adjutant-General to secure contracts for the outfit 
of two thousand troops. The principal articles specified, besides 
two thousand ball-cartridges, were overcoats, blankets, and knap- 
sacks. The resolutions passed by the Legislature, tendering to 
the President aid in men and money, sent as he may need, were 
approved by tlie Governor Jan. 23, and sent to Washington by 
mail the same day. Meanwhile the volunteer militia had resorted 
to the nightly drill at their armories, in anticipation of a lawless 
assault upon the life of the Republic by the armed propagandists 
of American slavery : " so that, when the summons came from 
the President on the 15th of April, the ' fiery cross ' was sent 
over the Commonwealth ; and, in ol)edience to the call, the men 
came forth as in the brave days of old, leaving the work-shop and 
the plough, their nets and barges, homes and kindred, inspired by 
love of country and the rights of mankind." 

It was this provision for a sudden appeal to the "arbitra- 
tion of the sword," with that vigilance which of old " scented 
tyranny in the breeze," and often surprised the enemies of liberty 
with a display of martial strength and courage believed by them 
impossible, that gave to Massachusetts the honor of taking the 
front in the march to meet the last great assault upon human 
freedom. 

On Jan. 17, a meeting of merchants was held in the rooms 
of the Board of Trade, Mayor Wightman presiding, " to con- 
sider upon the best means of preserving the Union, and upon ad- 
dressing the Massachusetts delegation in Congress." The meeting 
also decided upon the form of a petition to Congress, and ap- 
pointed the necessary committees. 

Military companies in several towns assembled to ascertain how 
many were ready to go to the aid of the United-States Govern- 
ment if their services were required. There was the greatest 
alacrity and readiness. The Boston Light Artillery had a meet- 
ing on the evening of Jan. 21, at which a hundred and three 
were present. Ninety-nine pledged themselves to tender their 



MILITARY OPERATIONS IN THE STATE. 99 

aid to the Commander-in-Chief, should the President of the 
United States need tliem. This was one of other similar meet- 
ings held the same evening. 

Among these, on that day, was one of the field and staff officers 
of .the Sixth Regiment, held in Lowell, Jan. 21. They unani- 
mously voted to be in readiness to go ; and that " Col. Jones be 
authorized and requested forthwith to tender the services of the 
Sixtli Regiment to the Commander-in-Chief and Legislature, 
wlien such action may become desirable for the purposes con- 
templated in General Orders, No. 4." 

The Worcester Light Infantry, the Hale Guards of Haverhill, 
the Braintree Light Infantry, Charlestown Artillery, the Salem 
Light Artillery, and the Boston Wasliington Light Guard, all 
voted to be in readiness to serve their country. 

We have very clear evidence of forbearance, rather than hasty 
radicalism, in Massachusetts, in a petition at this time to Congress 
to adopt measures calculated to restore harmony between the 
United States, which contained fifteen thousand signatures. The 
committee to take the petition to Washington w\as composed of 
Edward Everett, Robert C. Winthrop, Lemuel Shaw, Edward S. 
Tobey, Amos A. Lawrence, and Charles L. Woodbury, who left 
Boston on the 23d of January. 

The advent of spring, with its fragrance and bloom in the 
" sunny South," found its political atmosphere hot and electric 
with the deeds and plots of secession. The cotton States had 
gone, or were going, with South Carolina, in her mad attempt to 
dissolve the Union. 

The city elections of the State occur during this season of the 
year ; and the inaugural addresses of the mayors were worthy 
of the Commonwealth. They had the ring of her unclouded 
loyalty, and an intelligent comprehension of the national trou- 
bles. 

April lo. Fort Sumter, after a terrific bombardment and most 
gallant resistance, was compelled to surrender to the rebel 
demand for the keys of the noble fortress. War was thus de- 
clared by the roar of cannon aimed at the nation's defences, to 
reach through them her too forbearing and magnanimous heart. 

Massachusetts promptly accepted the challenge ; and the head- 
quarters of her cheerful activity to meet its most fearful conse- 
quences were now the Adjutant- General's department. 

The very day that Sumter fell, its able official head wrote, by 



100 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

direction of the Governor, the following letter to the Secretary 
of War : — 

Adjutant-General's Office, Boston, 
April 13, 1861. 

Sir, — I am directed by his Excellency the Grovernor to request of you, if 
consistent with law and the poUcy of your department, to allow me to draw 
two thousand rifled muskets from the United-States arsenal at Springfield, in 
advance of our annual quota becoming due. 

We have five thousand infantry now armed and equipped, and properly 
officered. Only about three thousand of them, however, are armed with 
rifled muskets : the others have the old smooth-bores, all of which have been 
changed from flint-locks to the percussion. If you will permit us to draw two 
thousand more of the new rifled muskets, we shall have five thousand as well 
armed, drilled, and officered infantry as ever handled a musket. 

I would also suggest that a couple of regiments of the volunteers be 
ordered by the President to garrison Forts Warren and Independence, 
in Boston Harbor. They are now without troops, and might be taken 
by lawless men, and turned against the Government. 

I believe that our troops would like to do garrison-duty until called upon 
by the President for active service. The regiments might alternate every four 
or six weeks; and thus they would learn much that would be of service 
to them, and hold the forts against attack or surprise. 

With great respect, I have the honor to be 

Your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM SCHOULER. 
Hon. Simon Caimeeon, 

Secretary of War, Washington. 

Neither the muskets, nor permission to garrison the forts, could 
be obtained. Subsequently, Major-Gen. Wool, of the United-States 
army, in whose department was the State of Massachusetts, fur- 
nished " five thousand of the most improved smooth-bore muskets 
from Springfield, and four thousand Windsor rifles (without bay- 
onets) from the United-States arsenal at Watertown." 

April 15, a telegram was received from Senator Wilson at 
Washington, asking in behalf of the Government for twenty com- 
panies of Massachusetts troops to be sent forward immediately to 
the capital, and there mustered into service, — the first call 
upon her waiting militia. On the same day, a special order was 
issued, directing " Col. Jones of the Sixth Regiment, Col. Pack- 
ard of the Fourth, Col. Wardrop of the Third, and Col. Monroe 
of the Eighth, to muster their respective commands on Boston 



THE FIRST CALL FOR TROOPS. 101 

Common forthwith, ' in compliance with a requisition made by 
the President of tlie United States.' " 

By mail and special messengers, the order was conveyed to the 
homes of the officers in Lowell, Quincy, New Bedford, and Lynn. 
The companies were to be gathered from the counties of Plym- 
outh, Bristol, Norfolk, and Essex. That night, for the first time 
in half a century, the quiet dwellings of the people in the city, 
village, and country, were disturbed with the summons for some 
of their inmates to hasten to the arena of civil war. 

The spirit of '76 was abroad on the midnight air ; and the 
next day, from the sea-border, old Marblehead sent forward 
three infantry companies under Capts. Martin, Phillips, and 
Boardman, — the vanguard of Freedom's uprising host. 

At nine o'clock, a.m., the train that carried the troops to Bos- 
ton reached the Eastern Depot, where a multitude greeted them 
with cheers that drowned all other sounds, and rang over their 
march to the music of " Yankee Doodle," through th^e rain and 
sleet of a dismal storm, to their quarters in Faneuil Hall. 

Upon the question, " Who was the first man in the war ? " we 
have a good letter from Newburyport, whose mistake was after- 
wards corrected. Capt. Bartlett's offer, as described below, was 
first after Banks's retreat : — 

The Boston correspondent of the " Springfield Eepublican," speaking of 
Capt. Knott Martin's election at Marblehead as representative, says, "He is 
the man who first reached Boston with hi* company after the war broke out 
in 18G1." The story about the pig is a true story and a good story, as Capt. 
Martin is a true and good man ; but he was not the first man to reach Boston 
with his company : that honor belongs to the late Capt. A. W. Bartlett and the 
Cushing Guard of Newburyport. They were the first to reach Boston ; and it is 
worthy of record in favor of Capt. Bartlett, than whom not a braver man fell in 
the war. He was in the dry-goods business on State Street, perhaps little 
dreaming of war, having been captain of the company but a short time, when, 
one afternoon, the telegraph-operator handed him a despatch. He took the 
paper, and, without saying a word of its contents, turned to his clerk, and said, 
" Step round the corner to the stable, and get me a horse and chaise." The 
clerk, knowing that he held a telegi-aphic despatch in his hand, made bold to 
ask, " What has transpired? " — "I have orders," he responded, " to have 
the Cushing Guard in Boston to proceed to Washington by the first train to- 
morrow, and I must notify the oflScers at once ; for, if not another man goes, I 
shall be there." As quick as the horse could be had, and could carry him, 
he rode over the town, and, in three hours, had his men at the armory. Then 
people knew nothing of war ; and many in the company declined to leave 
their business and families to answer so sudden a call. But the next dnj his 



102 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Store was closed ; and at the head of seventeen privates and a few officers, in 
all, we think, twenty-one, he marched to the cars. It was a cold, wet day ; 
and the people, stunned at the suddenness of the call, looked on without a 
shout or cheer as he was oif for Boston, reporting himself the first of any com- 
pany in the State. Afterwards he raised a full company of ninety-eight men 
in seven days for the Thirty-fifth Regiment ; and, in four weeks after leaving, 
he and orfe-third of that company were dead, or maimed for life, on the 
bloody field of Antietam, where his mangled body, blown by shell and pierced 
by shot, was found. 

Capt. Bartlett was the first ; and before his company left, in 1861, the 
City Council voted to raise the national flag over the City Hall, to remain 
there till the Rebellion should be suppressed : and that was the first flag-rais- 
ino- in the State. They also, when there was no law for it, voted to draw from 
the city treasury one thousand dollars to assist the Cushing Guard to go, and 
to aid the families of those who went ; and that was the first appropriation of 
money for the war, made in this Commonwealth. IMany men acted bravely 
in the war, and among them was Capt. Martin ; and many towns did nobly. 
We would detract nothing from them ; but the above is a true record, and it 
is giving honor only where honor is due." 

The reply of Gen. Hiiiks, concerning the " First Massachusetts 
man in the war," will be interesting as an historical statement, 
and is quoted, excepting a single expression, verbatim : — 

I will attempt, without detracting from the noble record of Capt. Bartlett, 
who for a time served with credit under my command, and who gallantly 
yielded up his young life upon the* bloody field of iintietam, to vindicate the 
truth of history. 

On Monday, xlpril 15, 1861, at quarter-past two o'clock, in reply to an 
oflfer of my services made in the morning of that day, I received from 
Gov. Andrew a verbal connnand to summons the companies of the Eighth Re- 
giment, by his authority, to rendezvous at Faneuil Hall at the earliest possible 
hour. Leaving Boston on the half-past two o'clock train, I proceeded to 
Lynn, and personally notified the commanding officers of the two companies 
in that city, and from thence telegraphed to Capt. Bartlett at Newburyport, 
and Capt. Centre of Gloucester ; and then drove to Beverly, and summoned 
the company there; and from thence hastened to Marblehead, where I 
personally notified the commanding officers of the three Marblehead companies. 
I found Capt. Martin in his slaughter-house with the carcass of a hog, 
just killed, and in readiness for the " scald." On communicating to the cap- 
tain my orders, I advised him to immediately cause the bells of the town to be 
rung, and to get all the recruits he could. Taking his coat from a peg, 
he seemed for a moment to hesitate about leaving his business unfinished, and 
then turned to me, and, with words of emphatic indiflference in regai-d to it, put 



THE FIRST TROOPS IN BOSTON. 103 

the garment on, with bis arms yet stained with blood and his shirt-sleeves but 
half rolled down, and with me left the premises to rally his company. 

On Tuesday, April IG, I was directed to remain on duty at Faneuil Hall; 
and, during the forenoon, the following-named companies arrived there, and 
reported for duty ; to wit : — 

1. Companies C, Eighth Regiment, forty muskets, Capt. Knott V. Martin, 
and H, Eighth Regiment, twenty-sis guns, Capt. Francis Boardman, both of 
Marblehead; which place they left at half-past seven o'clock, a.m., and ar- 
rived in Boston at about nine o'clock. 

2. Company D, Fourth Regiment, thirty-two muskets. Sergeant H. F. 
Wales, of Randolph, left home at nine o'clock, and arrived at about ten, a.m. 

3. Company B, Eighth Regiment, forty muskets, Capt. Richard Phillips, 
of Marblehead, left home at nine o'clock, and arrived in Faneuil Hall about 
eleven, a.m. 

4. Companies D, Eighth Regiment, sixty-five muskets, Capt. George 

F. Newhall, and F, Eighth Regiment, seventy muskets, Capt. James Hudson, 
both of Lynn, left home at quarter-past nine o'clock, and reached Faneuil 
Hall a little after eleven o'clock, accompanied by Lieut. -Col. Timothy Mon- 
roe, subsequently colonel of the Eighth Regiment. 

At about twelve o'clock, several companies, belonging to different re- 
giments, arrived at Faneuil Hall ; and among them was Company A, Eighth 
Regiment, nineteen muskets, Capt. A. W. Bartlett, of Newburyport ; which 
company, as I then understood and have since been informed, left Newbury- 
port at al)out nine o'clock, a.m. I think that Company E, Eighth Regiment, 
Capt. Porter, of Beverly, arrived at about the same time ; and that Company 

G, Capt. Centre, of Gloucester, also anived early in the afternoon of the same 
day. 

The several companies of the Eighth Regiment were recruited during 
Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16 and IT, to an average of about eighty 
men. 

The above is substantially a true record, as will appear by reference to 
the files of " The Journal " of that date ; and is prompted only by a desire 
to do justice to Capt. Martin and the patriotic men of Marblehead, who, on 
the oubreak of the Rebellion, were the first to leave home, the first to arrive 
in Boston, and subsequently, under my command, the first to leave the yard 
of the Naval Academy of AnuapoUs to seize the depot and railroad, and to 
repair and relay the track, in the march through Maryland to relieve the be- 
leagured capital of the nation. 

EDW. W. HINKS, 
t Formerly AJjutant, Lieut. -Col, and Col. of the Eighth Mass. Infantry. 

On the morning of that eventful 16th of April, Gen. Butler, 
who, during the previous night, had been hard at work with Col. 
Jones in getting the Sixth ready for the field, was on his way to 
Boston in tlie same car with Mr. Carney of Lowell, the President 



104 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

of the Bank of Mutual Redemption. He said to him, '' The Gov- 
ernor will want money. Can the bank offer a temporary loan of 
fifty thousand dollars to help off the troops ? " 

The patriotic reply was, " It can and shall." 

The two regiments required by the War Department were to 
have more men and companies than the Massachusetts regiments 
then numbered. The State authorities were, therefore, under the 
necessity of making up the full quota by additions from other 
regiments. By this course, some discussion was raised, and dis- 
satisfaction expressed, respecting regimental uniforms, which 
called forth from Gov. Andrew the emphatic expression, " It 
isn't uniforms, it is men, we want." 

The advocates of the national blue ultimately prevailed in their 
sensible and practical view of the appropriate dress of our brave 
volunteers, and this style of uniform was chosen. The mind 
does not revert with pleasure to the uncouth garb in which some 
of the first troops went to the field. The " army blue " will, we 
hope, always distinguish the Americau soldier. 

We think the first and perhaps the only juvenile offer of mili- 
tary service is contained in the following spicy letter, which is here 
given, simply to illustrate how thoroughly the whole community 
was fired with the ardor of true patriotism : — 

Newburypokt, April 19, 1861. 

Gov. Andreiv. Dear Sir, — I am fifteen years old, five feet sis inches 
high, weigh a hundred and forty-five pounds ; and they won't let me enlist, 
because they say that I am not old enough. I think that I am old enouo-h 
to whip a secessionist ; at any rate, I should like to try : but I don't see as 
there is any chance for me as yet ; so I shall have to keep cool, and let my 
hair grow, I suppose. I wish your Excellency would send an order to E. F. 
Stone to let me enlist. Please send an answer quickly, and obhi>'e 

Yours truly, 

C. H . 

On that same momentous day which stirred to its depths the 
heart of the State capital. Gen. B. F. Butler sent a letter to 
the Governor, containing the offer of his services to the country. 

The City Government ordered the national flag to be raised on 
Faneuil Hall, and to be kept floating there till further orders. Its 
folds were soon heavily waving in the chill wind of that stormy 
day. Before the dark night shrouded it from the moistened eyes 
of those who gazed upon it with quickened devotion to its glo- 



MILITARY OPERATIONS IN THE STATE. 105 

rious stars, R. B. Forbes, Esq., a distinguished citizen and mer- 
chant-prince, proposed to the Governor to raise a coast-guard, the 
members of which were to be drilled in navy-tactics° and fur- 
nished with arms, a steamer, and other equipments for service. 
The proposition was referred by the Governor to the Navy De- 
partment. 

14 



CHAPTER II. 

THE three-months' REGDIENTS. 

The Adjutant-General and his Office. — The Men summoned to the Field. — The Midnight 
Messengers. — The Response of the Volunteers. — The Gathering of Troops in Boston. 
— Reception. — Scenes attending their Departure for Washington. — Officers of the 
Regiments. — The March of the Sixth, the Eighth, the Fifth. — Thurd Battalion of 
Rifles. — Cook's Battery. 

TO give the early action of the State when just awakening 
to the tremendous struggle before us, we must take a dis- 
tinct and separate view of the tlu'ee-months' regimeats. 

The Adjutant-GeneraFs department at the capitol of the Com- 
monwealth had suddenly become the busy centre of military 
operations on an hourly expanding scale ; and a brief sketch of 
an officer so intimately connected with the army movements of 
the State will possess interest, especially to the many brought in 
official relations directly in communication with him. 

"William Schouler was born in the county of Renfrew, Scotland, 
in 1814. The next year he went to New York with his father, 
who came to this country as a pioneer in the business of calico 
printing. 

After a brief residence on Staten Island, Mr. Schouler removed 
to Massachusetts, and lived between the years 1829 and 1832 in 
Taunton, Lynn, and West Cambridge. William learned his 
father's trade. He was early a reader and a politician. An 
"original Whig," he gave himself ardently to the campaign of 
1840. The year following, he was proprietor and editor of the 
"Lowell Courier," and, in 1847, became connected with the 
"Boston Atlas." In 1853, he was co-editor of the "Cincinnati 
Gazette," and, three years later, edited the " Ohio State Journal," 
at Columbus, Ohio. He was appointed by the Governor Adju- 
tant-General of tlie State, but resigned in 1858, and returned to 
Massachusetts to take the editorial charge of tlie " Boston Atlas 
and Bee." Four times he represented the city in the Legisla- 
ture, was elected Clerk of the House, and was a member of the 

106 



ADJUTANT-GEN. SCnOULER. 107 

Constitutional Convention. He was also chosen major, and then 
colonel, of the First Massachusetts Artillery Regiment. 

Daniel Wel)ster was a warm personal friend until his " 7th-of- 
March speech," when Mr. Schouler's opposition to it cooled their 
mutual regard. 

In 1860, Gov. Banks appointed Col. Schouler Adjutant-General of 
the State. A more loyal, devoted, and efficient man for the post, 
soon to be one of extraordinary responsibility, could not have been 
selected. He found an efficient helper in the lamented Col. "Wil- 
liam H. Brown.* Some of the work done in a single year will in- 
dicate the amount of business transacted in this office. More than 
sixteen hundred commissions were issued, with forty-six General 
and thirty-three Special Orders, covering 807 manuscript pages ; 
six thousand letters were written, which would make 4,700 pages 
of manuscript ; ten thousand certificates of State aid were issued ; 
an alphabetical index of soldiers' names was in progress ; with 
reports, and a great variety of miscellaneous business. Those 
who have known nothing of this noiseless, gigantic work, have 
failed to appreciate official fidelity, without which the forces of 
the State would have been crippled in many ways. 

The Surgeon-General, the Quartermaster-General, and the 
Paymaster-General, labored with the same untiring activity to 
carry forward the military operations. 

Chaplain Quint, unsurpassed in ability and efficiency, said 
of Col. Schouler and another officer of the Governor's staff, 
"If one has not examined the reports of the Adjutant-General, 
he ought to, to see the vast amount of business, the clear meth- 
od, and the admirable results of the work of that office. It is a 
marvel; and I know a little about what tables of figures, and 
records of facts, mean. If one will look at the Surgeon-Generars 
report, and remember the men who have been surgeons, he will 
imagine what I know, that, in medical skill, no men surpassed, 
and few equalled, the Massachusetts surgeons. Alas that some 
whom I knew and revered had to give their lives to their coun- 
try ! " 

Adjutant-Gen. Schouler, like Senator "Wilson, rose from hum- 
ble life among the people by iin tiring industry ; that devotion 
to his duties, which, with fine practical talent and executive 
ability, secured the confidence of his fellow-citizens. One of his 
sons, wlio graduated at Cambridge in 1859, enlisted in 1862 in 
the Forty-third Regiment, was appointed lieutenant, and com- 
pleted his term of service. Another son is midshipman in the 
* See notice of, among sketches of the heroic dead. 



108 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

navy. Col. Scliouler's name is forever associated with Massa- 
chusetts ill the Rebellion. 

Before the excitement over the arrival of the first volunteers 
had died away, a second despatch from Senator Wilson was sent 
over the wires, calling upon Massachusetts, in the name of the 
Government, for four regiments to form a brigade. Gen. Butler 
telegraphed Senator Wilson to remind Mr. Cameron that the 
brigade called for by the Government needed a brigadier. The 
result was the selection of himself for the high honor of the first 
appointment of tlie kind from the loyal States. He was commis- 
sioned Brigadier-General, Third Brigade, Second Division, Massa- 
chusetts Volunteer Militia, and was ordered to take command of 
the troops. 

Meanwhile the electric wires, mails, and living messengers, 
had been conveying the orders to the scattered officers to hasten 
with their several commands to the capital. 

The sun was near the horizon on the 16th, when Capt. Pratt of 
Worcester received his order to join the Sixth Regiment with all 
possible promptitude. The next day's morning light shone on 
the glittering weapons and eager faces of the marching troops. 

It was nine o'clock, p.m., on the 16th, before the Governor had 
decided to add to the same regiment the companies of Capts. 
Sampson and Dike. The courier left that night for Stoneham, 
eight miles from Boston. At two o'clock in the morning, he 
knocked at the door of Capt. Dike, and soon after placed in his 
hands the summons to the field. He read them, and with cheer- 
ful decision said, " Tell the Adjutant-General that I shall be at 
the State House with my full company by eleven o'clock to-day." 
He marched his men through the streets of Boston at the prom- 
ised hour. At half-past nine o'clock, a.m., he reported at the 
Adjutant-General's ofiBce in Boston in these words : — 

Sir. I received tlie orders of the Commander-in-Chief at two o'clock this 

morning to have my company ordered into active service, fully equipped for 
the defence of Washington. I now report that I have my company hei-e, 
uniformed and fully equipped, consisting of sixty-four privates, eight non- 
commissioned officers, and four lieutenants, — all that the law permits. I 
could have had more. I now await further orders. 

With no less enthusiasm did the captains of other companies 
welcome the orders to leave their vocations and homes for the 
perils of war. 

The subjoined order was issued from the office of the Adjutant- 



TEE MUSTERING OF TROOPS, 109 

General, giving the destination of the Third, Fourth, and Sixth 
Regiments, and detailing for service with them several additional 
companies : — 

HEAtMJCAETERS, BOSTON, ApvU 17, 1861. 

Brig.-Gen. Benjamin P. Butler, of Third Brigade, Second Division, is 
ordered to detail the following troops for the following sei-vices : — 

Col. David W. Wardrop, of Third Regiment of Infantry, Second Brigade, 
and First Division, is hereby ordered forthwith to report himself and his com- 
mand for active service. 

Company C, Fifth Regiment, Thu'd Brigade, and Second Division, com- 
manded by Capt. Richardson, wiU be added to the command as a part of said 

regunent. 

He will with these troops T^voceed forthwith to Fortress Monroe, in Virginia, 
by steamer to be provided, and there report himself to Col. Abner B. Pack- 
ard, of Pourth Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, or to such officer of 
the United States as may be in command of that fortress ; there to enter into 
the service of the United States as United-States militia, and await and abide 
such further orders as may be received. 

In case Fortress Monroe shall be inaccessible, or in the possession of an 
enemy, Col. Wardrop will exercise his own discretion as to the disposition of 
his command until he shall join Col. Packard, or shall receive further orders 
from the War Department of the United-States Government at Washington ; 
and whatever orders he may receive from that department he will obey, 
whether the same be given by telegraph or otherwise, provided he be satisfied 
of their genuineness. 

Col. Abner B. Packard, of the Fourth Regiment, Second Brigade, First 
Division, is hereby ordered to report himself and his command for active ser- 
vice. He will, with his command, proceed forthwith to the same duty as 
that ordered to be performed by the troops under Col. David W. Wardrop ; 
and, upon being joined by Col. Wardrop and his troops, he will take com- 
mand of them also, and act as to them also conformably to the above orders. 
Col. Edward F. Jones, commanding the Sixth Regiment of Infantry in the 
Thu-d Brigade and Second Division, is hereby ordered to report hunself and 
his command forthwith for active service. 

Company C, of the Seventh Regiment, Fourth Brigade, and Second Divis- 
ion, Capt. Dike ; Company C, of Fust Regiment, First Brigade, and First 
Division, Capt. Sampson ; Company B, of Third BattaUon of Infantry, Fifth 
Brio'ade, and Third Division, Capt. Pratt, — will be detailed from their re- 
spective commands, and, for the purposes of this service, will be added to the 
rec^iment of Col. Jones. He will with these troops proceed to the depot of 
the Boston and Worcester Railroad Company at six o'clock this evening, and 
thence by the most practicable route, via New- York City, to Washington, 
where he will report himself and his troops to Brig.-Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, 
and, in his absence, to the Adjutant-General of the United States at Wash- 



110 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ington. Said troops are to enter into the service of the United States as mili- 
tia, and there await and obey such further orders as may be received. 

By order of his Excellency Joun A. Andrew, Governor and Conv- 

mander-in- Chief. 

WILLIAM SCHOULER, Adjutant General. 

The 17th was a day of loyal excitement in Boston. " There 
were a thousand things to do ; but there were a thousand will- 
ing hearts and hands to help." 

Mayor Wightman tendered to the State authorities every avail- 
able place in the city, at the disposal of the City Government, for 
the qviartering of troops ; flags were thrown to the breeze from 
public and private buildings ; the banks. Corn Exchange, Board 
of Trade, and wealthy citizens, offered their treasures, and the 
ladies their needle-work. In the surrounding towns the excite- 
ment was no less intense, and practical in its expression. 

The Sixth Regiment was ready in the afternoon to head the 
columns of Freedom in the march to her field of deadly and pro- 
tracted strife for tlie continued possession of her fair domain. 

Tiie troops marched to the State House, thronged by an earnest 
multitude, in whose breasts the spirit of the fathers was aroused, 
to defend their honor, and carry through fire and blood the ban- 
ner they loved, till it should float victoriously over every rebellious 
State and citizen. 

On this occasion, the regiment was drawn up in line on Beacon 
Street, in front of the State House ; Gov. Andrew, accompanied 
by his staff, several councillors, and other gentlemen, with Gen. 
Butler, stood upon the steps. 

Gov. Andrew's address to the Sixth Regiment, on its departure, 
was as follows : — 

Mr. Commander, — As the official representative of the old Conunon- 
wealth of Massachusetts, I bid you farewell, — you and your glorious com- 
mand. You, citizens, are summoned from your quiet homes to assume the 
cause of defending the dignity of the people and of your glorious flag. To 
you, citizens of Massachusetts, under the direction of him who stands by your 
side, is intrusted the high privilege before referred to, under the lead of an 
old hero of a hundred battles. Gen. "Winfield Scott, whom God has chosen 
and spared to this day. You are to repair to the city of Washington, there 
to protect the Temple of Liberty, erected under the eye of him whose name 
it bears, and who is called by the civilized world the Father of his 
Country. To Washington, or wheresoever duty may call, there you will go. 
Soldiers, summoned suddenly, with but a moment for preparation, we have 
done all that lay in the power of man to do, all that rested in the power of 



OFFICERS OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT. 



Ill 



the State Government to do, to prepare the citizen-soldiers of Massachusetts 
for this service. We shall follow you with our benedictions, our benefactions, 
and our prayers. Those whom you leave behind you we shall cherish in our 
heart of hearts. You carry with you our utmost faith and confidence. We 
know that you never will return until you can bring the assurances that the 
utmost duty has been performed which brave and patriotic men can accom- 
plish. This flag, sir (presenting the colors of the regiment to Col. Jones), 
take, and bear with you. It will be an emblem on which all eyes will rest, 
reminding you always of that which you are bound to hold most dear. 

Col. Jones, on receiving the flag from the Governor, replied : — 

Your Excellency, — You have given to me this flag, which is the emblem 
of all that stands before you. It represents my whole command ; and so 
help me, God ! I will never disgrace it. 

The regiment then marched to the Worcester-railroad Station 
through an enthusiastic throng of friends and spectators, whose 
earnest faces and eager eyes, often glistening with tears, showed 
the deep emotion that filled every heart ; while love of country, 
and admiration of those who, taking their lives in their hands, 
were going forth " to do or die " for Liberty and Union, ever and 
anon manifested itself in hearty cheers. From windows and 
housetops waved the dear old banner of Freedom, never before so 
precious ; and the sympathizing crowd did not disperse until the 
long train of cars, with its noble freight, rolled away from the sta- 
tion " for Washington vid Baltimore." 

OFFICERS OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT. 



FIELD AND STAFF. 



Colonel . 
Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Adjutant . 
Quarternuister . 
PaymaMer 
Surgeon . 
Surgeon^s Mate 
Chaplain . 
Sergean t-Major 
Quartermaster- Sergeant 
Commissary-Sergeant 
Drum-Major 
Hospital- Steward 

Total . 



Edward F. Jones, Pepperell. 
Benjamin F. Watson, Lawrence. 
Josiah A. Sautell, Lowell. 
Alpha B. Farr, Lowell. 
James jMunroe, Caniliridge. 
Rufus L. Plaisted, Lowell. 
Norman Smitli, Groton. 
Jansen T. Paine, Charlestown. 
Charles Babbage, Pepperell. 
Samuel W. Shattuck, Groton. 
Church Hone, Worcester. 
John Dupee, Boston. 
Frederick Stafibrd, Lowell. 
William H. Gray, Acton. 

. 14. 



112 



MASSACHUSETTS IN TEE REBELLION. 



A, — Lowell . 

B, — Groton . 

C, — Loioell . 
T), — Lowell . 

E, — Acton . 

F, — Lawrence 
H, — Lowell . 
I, — Lawrence 
K, — Boston . 
L, — Stoneham 
B, — Worcester 

Total 



COMPANIES AND COMMANDERS. 

Capt. George M. Deckerman, Lowell 
Eusebius S. Clarke, Groton 
Albert S. Follansbee, Lowell 
James W. Hart, Lowell 
David Tuttle, Acton 
Benj. F. Chadbourne, Lawrence 
John F. Noyes, Lowell . 
John Pickering, Lawrence 
Walter T. Samjison, Boston 
John H. Dike, Stoneham 
Harmon W. Pratt, Worcester 



52 
73 
56 
43 
57 
60 
52 
57 
67 
65 
101 



683 



The approach of evening was hushing the tumult of the city, 
when the regiment marched to the depot, attracting an interest 
which held many eyes awake that night, and was destined to 
thrill liberty-loving hearts the world over, and to the end of time. 
The little bell that signalled the departure of the train bearing 
the volunteers sounded forth the knell of oppression and a new 
epoch in history. 

The regiment arrived safely in New York at the usual hour. 
The appearance of the troops in the great metropolis at the criti- 
cal moment, it is believed, had much to do with the unexpected 
turn in the feeling of the city, and the commitment of it de- 
cidedly, and for the war, to the cause of the North, which was 
the cause of the Union. It w^as certainly a memorable day to 
the citizens of all classes, when those brave men, whose compan- 
ions in arms were on the sea, animated by the same high pur- 
pose of loyalty, trod the pavement with the bearing of heroes 
who intended to defend the flag against traitors at home and 
abroad, at whatever cost of life and treasure. The march of the 
pioneer regiment from the capital of the Bay State to the capital 
of the nation is given in a form which has peculiar interest. The 
official report of its gallant colonel is quoted, with no other change 
than the correction of the list of casualties, which could not then 
be known : — 

Headquaktees 6th Regt., 3d Beigade, 2d Div., M.V.M., 
Capitol, Washington, April 22, 1861. 

Brigade-Major William H. Clemence, — In accordance with Special 
Order No. 6, I proceeded with my command toward the city of Wash- 
ington. Leaving Boston on the evening of the 17th April, we arrived in 
New York on the morning of the 18th, and proceeded to Philadelphia, reach- 
ing that place on the same evening. On our way, John Brady, of Company 



THE SIXTH LEAVE BOSTON FOR NEW YOBK. 113 

H, Lowell, was taken insane; and, deeming it unsafe to have him accompanj 
the regiment, I left him at Delanco, N.J., with I. C. Buck, with directions 
that he should telegraph Mayor Sargeant, of Lowell, as to the disposition of 
him. AVe proceeded thence to Baltimore, reaching that place at noon on 
the 19th. After leaving Philadelphia, I received intimation that our passage 
through the city of Baltimore would be resisted. I caused ammunition to be 
distributed, and arms loaded, and went personally through the cars, and 
issued the following order ; viz. : — 

" The regiment will march through Baltimore in column of sections, p.rms 
at will. You will undoubtedly be insulted, abused, and perhaps assaulted; to 
which you must pay no attention whatever, but march with your faces square 
to the front, and pay no attention to the mob, even if they throw stones, 
bricks, or other missiles : but if you are fired upon, and an}-- one of you are 
hit, your officers will order you to fire. Do not fire into any promiscuous 
crowds, but select any man whom you may see aiming at you ; and be sure 
you drop him." 

Reaching Baltimore, horses were attached the instant that the locomotive 
was detached, and the cars were driven at a rapid pace across the city. 
After the cars, containing seven companies, had i-eached the Washington De- 
pot, the track behind them was barricaded ; and the cars containing the band 
and the following companies — viz.. Company C, of Lowell, Capt. Follansbee; 
Company D, of Lowell, Capt. Hart ; Company I, of Lawrence, Capt. Pick- 
ering ; and Company C, of Stoneham, Capt. Dike — were vacated by the 
band, and they proceeded to march in accordance with orders, and had pro- 
ceeded but a short distance before they were furiously attacked by a shower 
of missiles, which came faster as they advanced. They increased their step 
to double-quick, which seemed to infuriate the mob, as it evidently impressed 
them with the idea that the soldiers dared not fire, or had no ammunition ; 
and pistol-shots were numerously fired into the ranks, and one soldier fell 
dead. The order, "Fire! " was given, and it was executed : in consequence, 
several of the mob fell, and the soldiers again advanced hastily. The Mayor 
of Baltimore placed himself at the head of the column beside Capt. Follans- 
bee, and proceeded with them a short distance, assuring him that he would 
protect them, and begging him not to let the men fire : but the JMayor's 
patience was soon exhausted, and he seized a musket from the hands of one 
of the men, and killed a man therewith; and a policeman, who was in ad- 
vance of the column, also shot a man with a revolver. 

They at last reached the cars, which starteil immediately fur Washing- 
ton. On going through the train, I found there were about one hundred 
and thirty missing, including the band and field music. Our bagga":e was 
seized, and we have not as yet been able to recover any of it. I have found 
it very difficult to get reliable information in regard to the killed and wound- 
ed, but believe there were only three killed ; viz., — 

Sumner H. Needham ...... Lawrence. 

Addison 0. Whitney ...... Lowell. 

Luther 0. Ladd ....... Lowell. 

15 



114 



MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



Capt. J. H. Dike 

Andrew Robbins 
Michael Grrcen 
D. B. Tyler 
Edwin Colley 
H. W. Danforth, 
William R. Patch 
James Keenan 
Daniel Stevens 
Edward Coburu 



WOUNDED. 

Stoneham, danf^erous, doing well. 



Lawrence, flesh wound, " " 
Lowell, condition unknown. 

Stoneham, " " 

Lowell, " " 

Company C, Stoneham. 

D, Lowell. 

D, " 



Capt. Dike is in the hands of some brother Masons, and to the Order ho 
owes his life. The others are supposed to be at the Baltimore Infirmary. 
The following were brought with us, and sent to the hospital here : — 

Gordon Reed . 
Alonzo Joy . 
G. G. Duvrell 
Victor Dengras 
W. G. Withington 
W. H. Young 
Warren Holden 
Morris Jlead . 
George Alexander 
C. L. Gill . 
Charles Stinson 
J. M. Moore . 
J. W. Pennell 
E. A. Perry . 
William G. Butterfield 
Stephen Flanders 
J. W. Kempton 
John Forticr . 
C. H. Chandler 
S. S. Johnson 
Henry Dike . 
J. F. Rowe . 
Daniel Brown 
George Calvin, 
H. Gardner . 
S. Colley . • 
W. D. Gourley 
John Swett 
W. H. Lamson 
George \\ . Levering 
William M. Holden . 



Company A 


since 


discharged 


" 


I, 


doinc 


; well. 


" 


I, 


since 


discharged. 


(( 


I, 


doing 


well. 




D, 


since 


discharged. 




c, 


doing 


well. 




c, 


" 


a 




c, 

D, 


(( 


ii. 




c. 


" 


" 




c, 


(( 


" 




D, 


since 


discharged. 




c, 


doing 


well. 




c, 


since 


dischai'ged. 




c, 


doing 


well. 




c, 


(C 


" 




c, 


<( 


" 




c. 


" 


'.' 




D, 


" 


(C 




c, 


since 


discharged. 




c, 


doing 


well. 




c. 


" 








c, 


" 








c, 
c, 
c, 










c, 


(( 








A, 
D, 
D, 

c, 


It 







As the men went into the cars, I caused the blinds to be closed, 
and took every precaution to prevent any shadow of offence to the people 



THE WOUNDED OF THE SIXTH IN BALTIMORE. 115 

of Baltimore : but still the stones flew thick and fast into the train ; and 
it was with the utmost difficulty that I could prevent the troops from leav- 
ing the cars, and revenging the death of their comrades. After a volley 
of stones, some one of the soldiers fired, and killed a ]Mr. Davis, who, I have 
since ascertained by reliable witnesses, threw a stone into the car. Yet that 
did not justify the firing at him ; but the men were infuriated l)eyond control. 
On reaching Washington, we were quartered at the Capitol in the Senate 
Chamber, and at present are all in good health and spirits. 

I have made every effort to get possession of the bodies of our comrades, 
but have not yet succeeded. Should I succeed, I shall forward them to Bos- 
ton, if possible ; otherwise I shall avail myself of the kind offer of George 
Woods, Esq., who has offered me a prominent lot in the Congressional Bury- 
ing-ground for the purpose of interment. 

We are this day mustered into the United-States service, and will forward 
the rolls at first opportunity after inspection. 

EDWARD F. JONES, 
Colonel Sixth Regiment, M. V.3f., hi service of United States. 

According to a statement made by Chaplain Hanson of the 
Sixth, in a letter to Adjutant-G-en. Schouler, dated April 12, 1865, 
there was a fourth martyr at Baltimore. He writes : — 

Charles A. Taylor came to Boylston Hall, Boston, as the regiment was 
quartered there, and enlisted in Company J), Lowell. He announced himself 
as a fancy painter by profession ; was about twenty-five years old, with light 
hair and blue eyes. Such was the haste, and lack of system, with which all 
our earliest movements were conducted, that even his loss was not discovered 
until his captain received his overcoat. The gentleman who sent it saw him 
fall, and testified, that, after he was killed, his brutal murderers beat him with 
clubs and rocks until all trace of humanity was destroyed. He was buried 
at Baltimore. No trace of his family or friends has been discovered by the 
officers of the regiment, though a box was received for him from Boston a 
short time after the regiment reached the Relay House. 

Col. Jones, in a communication to Gov. Andrew, says that " a 
correct list of the Massachusetts killed at Baltimore can never be 
made.'''' This is doubtless true. 

The Sixth was ordered to take a position near the Relay House, 
between Baltimore and Washington, where it remained on duty; 
the troops acquitting themselves through the brief term of service 
with the strict discipline and cheerful loyalty of wliich the bloody 
transit through Maryland was the assurance. 

Major Cook's battery was with this regiment, winning unquali- 
fied praise for its fine appearance and efficient service. 



116 



MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



The same day an order was forwarded to Capt. Briggs, a worthy 
son of one of Massachusetts' noblest governors, to join with his 
troops the Eighth Regiment ; and another order sent to Gen. . 
Ward of Worcester, Fifth Brigade, Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia, to have Company B, Third Battalion of Rifles, ready for 
service. 

The Third Regiment marched to the wharf, where lay the 
steamer " Spaulding," whose prow was turned towards Fortress 
Monroe, then garrisoned by only two companies of regular artil- 
lery, which rebel hands were ready to seize. The Fourth Regi- 
ment moved to the Old-Colony Depot, and were soon borne away 
from the cherished capital of their State in the train for the Fall- 
River boat, bound for the same imperilled stronghold. 

The tables below contain the names of their officers : — 



THIRD REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 



Colonel 

Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Adjutant 
Quartermaster 
Surgeon 
Surgeon^s Mate 
Sergeant -Major 
Qitartermaster-Sergeant 
Total . 



FIELD AND STAFF. 

DamI AY. AVavdrop, Now Bedford. 
Charles Raymond, Plymouth. 
John H. Jennings, New Bedford. 
Austin S. Cushman, New Bedford. 
Edward D. Allen, Fairhaven. 
Alexander R. Holmes, New Bedford. 
Johnson Clark, New Bedford. 
Albert C. ^laggi, New Bedford. 
Frederic S. Gilford, New Bedford. 



A, — Halifax 

B, — Plymouth . 
C — Cambridge 
G, — Freetown . 
H, — Plympton . 
K, — Carver 

L, — New Bedford 



COMPANIES AXD COMMANDERS. 

€apt. Joseph S. Harlow, Halifax 

" Charles C. Doten, Plymouth . 

" James P. Richardson, Cambridge 

" John W. Marble, Freetown 

" Lucien L. Perkins, Plympton . 

" William S. McFarlin, Carver . 

" Timothy Ingraham, New Bedford 



Total 



49 

69 
97 
24 
56 
62 
78 

444 



Colonel 

Li eif'tenant- Colonel 

Major 

Adjutant 



FOURTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 
FIELD AND STAFF. 

. Abner B. Packard, Quincy. 
Hawkes Fearing, Jr., Hingham. 
Horace 0. Whittemore, Boston. 
Henry Walker, Quincy. 



DEPARTURE OF THE FOURTH REGIMENT. 



117 



Quartermaster 
Surgeon 

Surgeoii's Mate . 
Sergeant -Blajor . 
Quartermaster-Sergeant 
Total . 



William H. Carruth, Boston. 
Henry ]M. Saville, Quincy. 
William L. Faxon, Quincy. 
Alvin E. Hall, Foxborough. 
George W. Barnes, Plymouth. 



A, — Canton 

B, — Easton 

C, — Braintree 

D, — Randolph 

E, — Ahington 

F, — Foxborough 

G, — Taunton 
H, — Quincy 
I, — Hingham 



COMPANIES AND COMMANDERS. 

Capt. Ira Drake, Canton . 

" Milo M. Williams, Easton 

" Cephas C. Bumpus, Braintree . 

" Horace Niles, Randolph . 

" Cbarles F. Allen. Ahington 

" David L. Shepard, Foxborough 

" Timothy Gordon, Taunton 

" FrankUn Curtis, Quincy . 

" Luther Stephenson, Jr., Hingham 



Total 



81 
37 
66 

80 
60 
76 
68 
79 
80 

636 



An officer has furnished some valuable facts in the early history 
of this regiment : — 

The Fourth Ftegimeut was composed of companies in various towns along 
the Old-Colony shore. Its members had responded well to the order of Gov. 
Andrew, in 3Iarch, 1861, in relation to the wilhngness of the militia of the 
State to respond to any call that might be made. On Monday, April 15, Col. 
Packard received his orders to appear with his command in Boston, in readi- 
ness to proceed to Washington. They were immediately sent out, through his 
adjutant, Lieut. Walker, to the different companies, by a special messenger, 
who reached Taunton, forty miles distant, at two the next morning; handing his 
order to Capt. Gordon, Company G, at three in the morning. By two, p.m., 
of .that day, every company was at Faneuil Hall. On Wednesday morning, it 
was decided to send the Fourth to Washington, the Sixth to Fortress Monroe. 
This order was afterwards changed, and the Fourth was ordered to proceed to 
Fortress Monroe. Company H, of Quincy, having mustered only some thirty 
men. Adjutant Henry Walker of that town, formerly an officer in the company, 
having obtained permission, detailed a drummer and fifer, and in full uniform 
proceeded to Quincy, reaching there at noon. He had just one hour and a 
half to do what he intended, as the regiment was ordered to be off at three, 
P.M. Sending men to break open the company's armory and boxes, he 
marched through the place, gathering recruits. Nineteen men fell in behind 
him, mostly without any leave-taking, in their working-dresses. Returning 
to the armory, each man received arms and equipments, and were immedi- 
ately marched to the depot, and by half-past two were at Faneuil Hall. We 
think that this was the iirst instance of such recruiting in the war. These 
nineteen men were almost as poorly clothed as Falstaff's recruits, Imt had 
hearts throbbing with heroic patriotism. One man said, "I wish to see ray 



118 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

wife." — " No time for leave-taking," was the adjutant's reply : " fall in ! " 
Fall in he did. Another said, "Do you want an Irishman in your company? " 
" Do you believe in the old flag? if you do, fall in." And he fell in in his 
shirt-sleeves, sending for his coat. 

From the steps of the State House, Gov. Andrew spoke a few 
farewell words to the Fourth Regiment : — 

3Ir. Commander, — I regard with inexpressible feelings the presence of 
this noble command of yours from the ancient Colony of Plymouth. You 
have come from the side of the sounding sea, where repose the ashes of the 
Pilgrims. You are bound upon a high and noble pilgrimage for Liberty, for 
the Union, and for the Constitution of your country. Soldiers, citizens, sons 
of sires who never disgraced their flag in civil life or on the tented field ; 
who died to serve their country, with the full faith of honest and patriotic 
hearts, — I bid you God speed ! From the bottom of my heart, and in the 
name of the old Bay State, whose unworthy representative I am, I bid you 
God speed, and fare you well ! 

Col. Packard responded, — 

Tour Excellency, — I am scarcely able to speak. All I can say is. We 
will endeavor to do our duty. 

Gov, Andrew answered, — 

I know you will endeavor ; and I know, colonel, you will succeed. 

Continues the officer quoted above, — 

The Fourth left Boston before any other. It was the first to leave the 
State ; and if to be the first, even by a short time, be an honor, the Fourth 
can claim that honor. 

It arrived in New- York Harbor on the afternoon of April 18. The captain 
of the boat did not judge her to be safe to carry troops to Fortress IMonroe ; 
and Col. Packard telegraphed to Gov. Andrew for instructions. He receivecl 
in answer, " If the captain says he can carry your men, go on. Massa- 
chusetts must be first on the gi-ound." We all were anxious to go; and, 
after some ballast had been put on board, we left New York, arriving off 
Fortress Monroe early Saturday morning. We spent an hour of anxiety, lyino- 
off and on, doubtful as to who held the fort. We finally landed, and marched 
inside, finding some two hundred and fifty regulars, who, worn out with 
watching, heartily welcomed us. 

The next month was spent in guard and fatigue duty, mounting guns, and 
storing provisions. When we arrived, the fort was almost defenceless land- 
ward, so for as guns were concerned, and without stores. Threats had been 
made by the rebels, and night after night the little garrison had slept at 
the guns. 



THE ElGIITn REGIMENT READY TO MARCH. 119 

If the Sixth saved "Washington, the Fourth, with the Third, saved Fortress 
Monroe, more important, in a military point of view, than a score of Wash- 
in gtons. 

On the 27th of May, the Fourth proceeded to Newport News, and, with 
other troops, fortified that point. Four of its companies, in conjunction with 
a portion of the Ninth New- York and First Vermont, formed a battalion, 
which, under Lieut. -Col. Wat^hburn, took part in the battle of Big Bethel. 
This battalion was, with Major Winthrop, on our right : and although, 
through newspapers, other organizations received all the praise, it is the fact 
that no pai't of the force engaged went farther ahead, or nearer the enemy, 
than this battalion ; and that the order for the commencement of the retreat 
came from our left, the order being generally credited to a certain New- York 
colonel, who thought the enemy were outflanking him. It was also a note- 
worthy fact, that the Fourth was the only organization that marched into camp 
at night in regular order, at shoulder-arms. 

Ou the 3d of July, the Fourth and Third were ordered to occupy Hamp- 
ton. Here the two regiments remained durino; their term of service. Dur- 
ing their stay, they constructed a line of works around the town. 

On the 17th of July, they left Hampton, and proceeded to Fortress Mon- 
roe, preparatory to embarking for home. Gen. Butler adtli-essed them, say- 
ing, " You have done your duty well. You have all along been in the 
advance at Fortress Monroe, at Newport News, at Hampton." 

Col. Dimmock, the regular officer in command of the fort, said, " Next to 
regulars, let me commend Massachusetts volunteers." 

The regiment was mustered out July 22. Its officers still kept 
it, as it had always been, one of the best militia regiments in the 
State. 

Tlie 18th of April dawned upon the Eighth Regiment on Bos- 
ton Common, waiting the command of Gen. Butler to march for 
Washington by way of Baltimore. 

In front of the State House, around which a great and enthusi- 
astic crowd had gathered, the regiment listened to Gov. Andrew's 
farewell address : — 

3Ir. Commander and Soldiers, — Yesterday you were citizens ; to-day 
you are heroes. Summoned by the sudden call of your country, true to the 
fortunes of your flag, to the inspirations of your own hearts, and to the 
mighty examples of your fathers, you have hurried from the thronged towns 
of Essex, and all along the shore from Boston to Cape Ann, famed through 
all Massachusetts for noble men, brave soldiers, and heroic women. You 
have come to be cradled anew one night in Faneuil Hall, there breathing, 
once more the inspiration of historic American liberty, and standing beneath' 
the folds of the American banner. 

From the bottom of my heart of hearts, as the official representative of 



120 MASSACHUSETTS IN TEE REBELLION. 

MassachiTsetts, I pay to you, soldiers, citizens, and heroes, the homage of my 
most profound gratitude ; and the heart of all Massachusetts beats with full 
sympathy to every word I utter. There is but one pulsation of liberty beat- 
ing through all this, its beautiful domain, from the shores of Cape Cod to the 
hills of Berkshire ; and the mountain-valleys and the mountain-peaks answer 
to each other. Soldiers, go forth bearing that flag; and as our fathers 
fought, so, if need be, strike you the blow. 

" Where breathes the foe but falls before us, 
With Freedom's flag beneath our feet, 
And Freedom's banner waving o'er us? " 

We stay behind to gua)-d the hearthstones you have left ; and, whatever 
may be the future, we will protect the wives and children you may leave ; 
and as you will be faithful to the country, so we will be faithful to them. 

I speak to you as citizens and soldiers, not of Massachusetts, but of the 
American Confederate Union. While we live, that Union shall last ; and 
until these countless thousands, and all their posterity, have tasted death, the 
Union of the American people, the heritage of Washington, shall be eternal. 

Soldiers, go forth, bearing with you the blessings of your country, bearing 
the confidence of yom- fellow-citizens ; and, under the blessing of God, with 
stout hearts and stalwart frames go forth to victory. On your shields be 
returned, or bring them with you. Yours it is to be among the advance 
guard of Massachusetts soldiers. As such, I bid you God speed, and fare 
you well ! 

There was great applause during the speech, and at its close 
a call for Gen. Butler, who stood with the Governor on the steps. 
He addressed the troops : — 

Soldiers, — We stand upon the spot to which the good pleasure of the 
Commander-in-Chief and our dearest wishes have assigned us. To lead 
the advance guard of freedom, of constitutional liberty, and of perpetuity 
to the Union, is the honor we claim, and which, under God, we will main- 
tain. 

Sons of Puritans, who believe in the providence of Almighty God, as he 
was with our fathers, so may he be with us in this strife for the right, for the 
good of all, for the great missionai-y country of liberty; and, if we prove 
recreant to our trust, may the God of battles prove our enemy in the hour of 
our utmost need ! 

Soldiers, we march to-night ; and let me say for you all to the good people 
of the Commonwealth, that we will not turn back until we show those who 
have laid hands upon the fabric of the Union that there is but one .thought 
in the North, — " the union of these States now and forever, one and insep- 
arable." 

Attended by a cheering throng, the regiment then marched to 



THE EIGHTH REGIMENT READY TO MARCH. 



121 

thence 



Faneuil Hall, where an excellent collation was prepared 
to the Worcester Depot. 

Company A, Seventh Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Mili- 
tia, under Capt. Arthur F. Devereux, had been added to the 
Eighth, when the following was the roll of officers : — 



Colonel . 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
Major 
Adjutant 
Quartermaster 
Paymaster 
Surgeon 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain 
Sergeant-Major 
Quartermaster-Sergeant 
Drum-Major . 
Total 



FIELD AND STAFF. 

( Timothy Munroe, Lynn. 
X Edward W. Hinks, Lynn. 

Andrew Elwell, Grloucester. 

Ben Perley Poore, Newbury. 

George Creasey, Newburyport. 

"E. Alfred Ingalls, Lynn. 

Roland Gr. Usher, Lynn. 

Bowman B. Breed, Lynn. 

Warren Taplej, Lynn. 

Gilbert Haven, Maiden. 

John Goodwin, Jr., Marblehead. 

Horace E. Munroe, Lynn. 

Samuel Roads, Marblehead. 



13 



COMPANIES AND COMMANDERS. 



A, — Newburyport 

B, — Marblehead 

C, — Marblehead 

D, — Lynn 

E, — Beverly . 

F, — Lynn 

G, — Gloucester 
H, — jSIarblehead 
I, — Salem 

K, — Pittsfield 



Total 



Capt, 



"{ 



Albert W. Bartlett, Newburyport, 80 

Richard Phillips, Marblehead . 58 

Knott V. Martin, Marblehead . 63 

George T. Newhall, Lynn . . G9 

Francis E. Porter, Beverly . . 72 

James Hudson, Jr., Lynn . . 89 

Addison Carter, Gloucester . .66 

Francis Boaixlman, Marldehead . 52 

Arthur F. Devereux, Salem . 72 

Henry S. Briggs, Pittsfield ; ^^ 

Henry H. Richardson, Pittsfield " ' 



711 



The half -past eight o'clock train bore the regiment "away 
from the depot, followed by the benedictions of assembled Boston, 
saluted at every station on the way l)y excited multitudes. At 
Springfield, where there was a brief delay to procure from the 
armory the means of repairing muskets, the regiment was joined 
by a valuable company under Capt. Henry S. Briggs, when the 
troops again took the cars for New York. The Broadway march 
of the regiment, the breakfast at the Metropolitan and Astor, 
the push through the crowd to Jersey City, the tumultuous 



16 



122 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

welcome in New Jersey, the continuous roar of cheers across 
the State, the arrival at Philadelphia in the afternoon of the 
memorable 19th of April, who can have forgotten ? " 

A characteristic telegraphic despatch from Charles Sumner was 
sent to Gov. Andrew, dated 

New York, April 21. 

His Excellency Gov. Andrew, Boston, — I congTatulate you on the posi- 
tion of Massachusetts, — first to act, and first to sufter! Our Commonwealth 

■ never excited more of love and admiration. 

CHARLES SUMNER. 



The first tidings of the tragedy at Baltimore came to the men 
of the Eighth at Philadelphia. The loss of telegraphic communi- 
cation soon filled the air with the most alarming rumors. Unable 
to obey the order to march by way of Baltimore, Gen. Butler's 
command were sheltered in the unoccupied Girard House for the 
night, and abundantly furnished with refreshments. The earnest 
leader gave the night to the stirring crisis. He bought imple- 
ments for rebuilding railroad tracks and bridges, provisions, and 
whatever he deemed needful for the work before his troops. The 
maps were consulted, and the route through hostile Maryland 
chosen. Telegrams were flying to and from Boston, and con- 
sultations held by the officers, till the dawn of the 20th. Each 
officer willing to follow in the advance to unknown dangers, 
and cut the way through to the nation's capital, was offered 
a revolver by Gen. Butler. None refused the significant pledge 
of fidelity to the flag. 

Tlie Fifth Regiment, Third Brigade, Second Division, com- 
manded by Col. Samuel C. Lawrence, was ordered to report for 
active duty on the 19th of April. From the Seventh Regi- 
ment, Companies B, Capt. Peirson ; E, Capt. Locke ; F, Capt. 
Bailey ; G, Capt. Messer ; and H, Capt. Danforth, — were ordered 
to join the Fifth. Company F, declining to go, was immediately 
disbanded ; and a new company, which Capt. Ward well liad been 
authorized the day before to raise, was taken in place of it. 

On the 20th, at four o'clock in the morning. Major Asa P. 
Cook was ordered to join, with his Light Artillery, Col. Law- 
rence's command. At ten o'clock of the same forenoon, he was 
ready with his company to march. Before night, all of these 
troops were on their way to Washington. 

The names of the officers are as follows : — 



THIRD BATTALION OF RIFLEMEN. 



123 



Colonel . 
Lieutenant - Colonel 

Major . 

Adjutant 

Quartermaster 

Paymaster 

Surgeon 

Surgeon's Mate 

Chaplain 
Sergeant -Major 
Quartermaster-Sergeant 
Drum- Major . 
Hospital Steivard . 
Total . 



FIELB AND STAFF. 

Samuel C. Lawrence, Medford. 
( J. Durell Green, Cambridge. 
\ George H. Peirson, Salem, 
j Hamlin W. Keyes, Boston. 
( John T. Boyd, Charlestown. 
(Thomas 0. Barri, Cambridgeport, 
(John G. Chambers, Medford. 

Joseph E. Billings, Boston. 

G. Foster Hodges, Rosbury. 

Samuel H. Hurd, Charlestown. 
( Henry H. Mitchell, East Bridgewater. 
(William W. Keene, jun., Charlestown. 

Benjamin F. De Costa, Charlestown. 

Henry A. Quincy, Charlestown. 

Samuel C. Hunt, Charlestown. 

Charles Foster, Charlestown. 

Nathan D. Parker, Charlestown. 



17 



A, — Salem . 

JB, — South Reading 

C, — Charlestown 

D, — Haverhill 

E, —Medford 

F, — Boston . 

G, — Concord 

H, — Salem . 

I, — Somerville 

K, — Charlestown 



Total 



COMPANIES AND COMMANDERS. 

Capt. Edward H. Staten, Salem . 

" John W. Locke, South Reading 

" William R. Swan, Charlestown 

" Carlos P. Messer, Haverhill 

" John Hutchins, Medford 

" David K. Wardwell, Boston 

" George S. Prescott, Concord 

" Henry F. Danforth, Salem . 

" George 0. Brastow, Somerville 

" John B. Norton, Charlestown 



92 

78 
85 
80 
84 
77 
82 
74 
80 
74 

823 



In addition to the regiments, there were two other bodies of 
troops, which, as will appear in the record, did good service, — a 
battalion of rifles, and a battery. The number of men and the 
oflScers were as follows : — 



THE THIRD BATTALION OF RIFLEMEN. 
FIELD AND STAFF. 



Major . 

Adjutant 

Quartermaster 
Surgeon 
Sergeant -Major 
Quartermaster- Sergeant 



Total, field and staff . 



Charles Devens, jun., Worcester. 
(John M. Goodhue, Worcester. 
' (Arthur C. Goodale, Worcester. 
. James E. Easterbrook, Worcester. 

Oramel Martin, Worcester. 
. Nathaniel S. Liscomb, Worcester. 

George T. White, Worcester. 



124 



MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



COMPANIES AND COMMANDERS. 



A, — Worcester 

B, — Worcester 

C, — Worcester 
D, — Boston . 

Total, officers and men 



Capt. Augustus B. R. Sprague, Worcester, 83 



Joseph H. Gleason, Worcester 
Michael S. McConville, Worcester 
Albert Docld, Boston . 



79 

78 
75 

322 



Major . 
Adjutant 
Quartermaster 
Surgeon 
Assistant Surgeon 



COOK'S BATTERY. 
FIELD AND STAFF. 

Asa M. Cook, Somerville. 
Frederick A. Heath, Boston. 
Thomas J. Foss, Boston. 
John P. Ordway, Boston. 
LeBaron Monroe, Boston. 



Total, officers and men 



115 



The Third and Fourth Regiments arrived at Fortress Monroe 
the twentieth day of April ; the latter, soon after, took passage 
on the "Pawnee" for Norfolk, to assist in the destruction of the 
Navy Yard ; because melancholy waste must be made, or the 
valuable munitions of war — the accumulated improvements and 
stores of many years — would fall into traitorous hands. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE MARCH OF THE EIGHTH. — THE MARTYRS. 

Giiin. Butler prepares, in the Night of the lOtli, n. Written Plan of Iiis March. — Ex- 
citing Rumors in the Morning. — The Eightli leaves Philadelphia for Baltimore. — 
Change of Plan. — Embarks at Havre de Grace for Annapolis. — Arrives there. — Stir- 
ring Incidents. — Letter from Capt. Devereux. — The March to Washington. — The 
Movement on Baltimore. — Capt. Dodd's Company. — Reception of the Baltimore 
Martyrs in Boston. 

AFTER the consultation of Gen. Butler with his officers in 
the Girard House, at dead of night, with the rapidity of a 
strong mind stimulated to its quickest thought by the rush of 
events, he made out in writing liis plan of operations. Tliis was 
to be forwarded after his departure for the Maryland border to 
Gov. Andrew, that the Executive and the people of the State 
miglit know what it was, should he not survive the attempt to 
reach Washington. We give entire 

THE INTERESTING MEMORIAL OF PLAN AND REASONS FOR PROCEED- 
ING TO ANNAPOLIS. 

I have detailed Capt. Devereux aud Capt. Briggs with their commands, 
supplied with one day's rations and twenty rounds of ammunition, to take 
possession of the ferry-boat at Havre de Grace for the benefit of tbis expedi- 
tion. This I have done with the concurrence of the present master of trans- 
portation of the road. The Eighth Regiment will remain at quarters, that 
they may get a little solid rest after their fatiguing march. I have sent to 
know if the Seventh Regiment will go with me. I propose to march myself 
at the hour of seven o'clock in the morning, to take the regular eight and a 
quarter o'clock train to Havre de Grace. The citizens of Baltimore, at a 
large meeting this evening, denounced the passage of Northern troops. They 
have exacted a promise from the President of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- 
road not to send troops over that road through Baltimore : so that any at- 
tempt to throw troops into Baltimore entails a march of forty miles, and an 
attack upon a city of two hundred thousand inhabitants at the beginning of the 
march. The only way, therefore, of getting communication with Washington, 
for troops from the North, is over the Baltimore and Ohio Railway, or march- 
ing from the west. Commodore Dupont, at the Navy Yard, has given me 

125 



126 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

instructions of the fact in accordance with these general statements, upon 
which I rely. I have, therefore, thought I could rely upon these statements as 
to the time it will take to proceed in marching from Havre de Grace to Washing- 
ton. My proposition is to join with Col. Leiferts, of the Seventh Regiment of 
New York. I propose to take the fifteen hundred troops to Annapohs, arriving 
there to-morrow about four o'clock, and occupy the capital of Maryland, and 
thus call the State to account for the death of jMassachusetts men, my fiiends 
and neighbors. If Col. Lefferts thinks it more in accordance with the tenor 
of his instructions to wait rather than go through Baltimore, I still propose to 
march with this regknent. I propose to occupy the town, and hold it open as 
a means of communication. I have, then, but to advance by a forced march 
of thirty miles to reach the capital, in accordance with the orders I at first re- 
ceived, but which subsequent events, in my judgment, vary in their execution, 
believing from the telegi-aphs that there will be others in great numbers to aid 
me. Bemg accompanied by officers of more experience, who will be able to 
direct the affair, I think it will be accomplished. We have no light batteries : 
I have therefore telegraphed to Gov. Andrew to have the Boston Light Bat- 
tery put on shipboard at once, to-night, to help me in marching on Washing- 
ton. In pursuance of this plan, I have detailed Capts. Devereux and Brings, 
with their commands, to hold the boat at Havre de Grjlee. 

Eleven, a.m. — Col. Lefferts has refused to march with me. I go alone 
at three o'clock, p.m., to execute this imperfectly written plan. If I succeed, 
success will justify me. If I fail, purity of intention will excuse want of 
judgment or rashness. 

B. F. BUTLER. 
His Excellency Gov. Andrew. 

The morning of the 20th brought a rumor that modified the 
original design. At Havre de Grace, forty miles from Philadel- 
phia, is a railroad-ferry, which conveys in one passage the entire 
train over the Susquehanna. The report was abroad that a 
large rebel force had taken possession of the boat. Instead of 
sending forward the two companies, it was decided to march 
the whole regiment, seize the steamer, and appropriate it for the 
transportation of the troops. 

When Gen. Butler said to Mr. Pelton, president of the road, 
" I may have to sink or burn your boat," the latter nobly replied, 
"Do so," and wrote the order approving the measure if necessary. 

At eleven o'clock in the forenoon, the Eiglitli was boine away 
from the depot on Broad Street towards Havre de Grace. It 
was a serious ride. Arms were firmly grasped, and the possible 
mortal agony, before the sun went down, flung its shadow over the 
bravest hearts. One panic-smitten soldier leaped into the water, 
and, reaching the shore, ran for his life, but was caught, and 



THE EIGHTH IN MAE YL AND. 127 

punished for desertion. Instead of bristling bayonets to dispute 
the passage, the Eighth found the ferry-boat " Maryland " waiting 
for the next train, with nothing unusual in the aspect of Havre 
de Grace. 

Gen. Butler took possession of the boat, and prepared to pack 
it with his troops, and steer for Annapolis. If any of the offi- 
cials of the "Maryland" were treacherous, he had men who 
knew the route, and were competent to manage the vessel. 

At six o'clock in the evening, the crowded boat left the wharf 
for Annapolis, and, at midnight, was near the city. The citizens 
were immediately alarmed, even the loyal ones, who were expect- 
ing a visit from the " roughs " of Baltimore ; but, after some ex- 
planations, their fears were quieted, and the inexpressible sense 
of relief followed. 

To no man was the assurance of the presence of a Union force 
more grateful than to Capt. Blake, of the naval school-ship 
" Constitution," which was aground at the Academy Wharf, and 
without a full crew. He asked Gen. Butler if his orders would 
allow him to help off the " Constitution." His characteristic 
reply was, " I have no orders. I am making war on my own 
hook ; but we can't be wrong in saving the ' Constitution.' That 
is certainly what we came to do." 

April 22, Gen. Butler issued on board the steamer an order, 
from which we quote a congratulatory passage : — 

The purpose which could only be hiutecl at in the order of yesterday has 
been accomplished. The frigate " Constitution " has lain for a long time at 
this port, substantially at the mercy of the ai'med mob which sometunes para- 
lyzes the otherwise loyal State of Maryland. 

Deeds of daring, successful contests, and glorious victories, had rendered 
" Old Ironsides " so conspicuous in the naval history of the country, that she 
was fitly chosen as the school-ship in which to train the future officers of the 
navy to like heroic acts. It was given to JMassachusetts, and Essex County, 
first to man her : it was reserved to Massachusetts to have the honor to retain 
her for the service of the Union and the laws. This is a sufficient triumph of 
right, and a sufficient triumph for us. By this, the blood of our friends shed 
by the Baltimore mob is in so far avenged. The Eighth Regiment may 
hereafter cheer lustily on all proper occasions, but never without orders, that 
the old " Constitution " by their efforts, aided untiringly by the United-States 
officers having her in charge, is now safely " possessed, occupied, and enjoyed 
by the Goveiiiment of the United States, and is safe from all her foes." 

We make an interesting extract, though somewhat at the ex- 
pense of the New- York Seventh, from a letter written by Arthur 



128 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION: 

F. Devereux, Captain of Company A, Eighth Regiment, preserved 
in the State archives. It is dated 



On Board Feigate " Constitution," Annapolis Roads, April 23, 1S61. 

Just as we had finished the distribution of supplies, and I had begun to 
get the barracks quiet, making the men go to bed, &c , Gen. Butler sent 
for me ; and I found him at his headquarters in conversation with six gentle- 
men, lie announced to me that he had a dangerous, even a desperate, ser- 
\iee to perform, and had sent for me to know if I would do it. I answered 
by asking for orders. They were, to take my men and the other llank com- 
pany under my command, and, leaving Philadelphia, go to Havre de Grace, 
seize a steamer there, go out into the stream, and protect her at all hazards 
against all comers until our regiment arrived, in conjunction with the New- 
York Seventh ; and we were to start in an hour. 

We were ready at once, and starte'd secretly, without music, on the quick- 
step for the depot : found there the Seventh Regiment, just arrived from 
New York. I reported to Col. Lefferts as the detail for the above service. 
He wanted to consult with the president of the road, wlio, I found, was one 
of the gentlemen in Gen. Butler's headquarters when I was summoned there. 
The president would give me no cars until the matters under consideration 
were settled. Afterwards Col. Lefferts must consult his officers, keeping me 
waiting until daylight, and then finally declined. The bully Seventh backed 
down. 'Twas too much risk, especially as the end in view was to reach An- 
napolis in the steamer, avoiding Baltimore, and thus keep up a connection 
with the North from Washington, so as to get orders, supplies, and re-enforce- 
ments. Only think of tlie Immense advantage to the Government to estab- 
lish such means as this, when otherwise cut off"; not to speak of the fact that 
our fui'ther purpose was to cut out the frigate " Constitution " from Annapolis, 
which the enemy had sworn to possess ! The General Government had given 
Butler his authority : but the New- York Seventh refused to go on the hazard- 
ous service ; and Butler was sworn to go alone, and do it all. And we have 
done it. After taking the steamer, and cutting out the glorious old " Consti- 
tution" in the face and eyes of a regiment of the enemy, I am now on board, 
in command, and am to bring " Old Ironsides " into New York safe. We 
shall do it, or blow her up ! She never goes into the hands of an enemy. 

Capt. Devereux arrived in New York, with the " Constitution," 
April 28, 1861. 

The school-ship iDas saved, — an early omen of the rescue of the 
" immortal instrument," whose name it bore, from the grasp of 
traitorous hands which in a delirium of passion were stretched 
forth to tear it into fragments, and over these march the mana- 
cled millions, whose chattelship was to be tlie corner-stone of the 
new Confederacy. 



THE EIGHTH IN MARYLAND. 129 

Against the pathetic and threatoiiiiig protest of Gov, Hicks and 
the Mayor of Annapolis, the Eighth landed, and encamped on the 
grounds of the Naval School. 

The changeful mood of tlie Colonel of the New- York Seventh, 
which had arrived in the " Boston,'' ready to join the Massachu- 
setts Eighth, and then frightened from the purpose by reports of 
rebel plots, embarrassed the movements of the latter. 

Gen. Butler took charge of the Annapolis and Elk-Ridge Rail- 
way, which opened a sharp correspondence between him and the 
Governor of Maryland, that gained nothing for the aggrieved 
Executive. 

A letter from Col. S. C. Lawrence, dated at Annapolis, April 
24, 18;J1, contains a merited coniplimont to the commander: 
"Gen.' B. F. Butler is here in his shirt-sleeves, working like a 
giant. He holds Annapolis under martial law; but I fear he can- 
not long retain it. He is eager to show the people here the troops 
now landing, some six thousand, hoping it will have a tendency to 
keep them true to us." 

At length, the regiment was ready to start for Washington. The 
train, — whose locomotive was secured by forcing the doors of the 
store-house, and put in running-order by Charles Homans of 
Company E, formerly a workman in the shop where it was built, 
— April 24, bore the Eighth from Annapolis. 

There stood Homans, with his hand on the lever of the engine; 
on each side of him a soldier, with fixed bayonet ; the birds sing- 
ing in the trees beside the gleaming track ; while human eyes 
flashed with rage because the lips were awed to silence and the 
hands powerless. Sledge and crowbar were wielded by resolute 
men under the warm and sultry sun. Bridges and track were 
rebuilt with a will ; but a mile an hour only was the slow rate 
of advance. In the afternoon, a shower drenched the sweating 
"boys," and gave them a cool, refreshing atmospliere. In their 
ranks were more intelligence and culture than ever before were 
seen in the same number of troops. The sun went down glori- 
ously ; and the moon rose above the horizon, making the scene, 
strangely beautiful. 

The graceful Winthrop wrote of that march, — 

Gottschalk ! what a poetic night-march wo then began to play with, our 
heels and toes on the railroad-track ! 

It was full moonhght, and the night inexpressibly sweet and seren'3. The 

air was cool, and vivified by the gust and shower of the afternoon.. Fresh 

spring was in every breath. Oui- fellows had forgotten that this mornino- they 
17 



130 MASSACHUSETTS 7iV" THE REBELLION, 

were hot and disgusted. Every one hugged his rifle as if it were the arm of 
the girl of his heart, and stepped out gayly for the promenade. Tired or foot- 
sore men, or even hizy ones, would mount upon the two freight-ears we were 
using for artillery-wagons. There were stout arms enough to tow the whole. 

It was an original kind of mai'ch. I suppose a battei'y of howitzers never 
before found itself mounted upon cars, ready to open fire at once, and bang 
away into the offing with shrapnel, or into the bushes with canister. Our 
line extended a half-mile along the track. It was beautiful to stand on the 
bank above a cutting, and watch the files strike from the shadow of a wood 
into a broad flame of moonlight, every rifle sparkling up, alert, as it came for- 
ward ; a beautiful sight to see the barrels writing themselves upon the dim- 
ness, — each a silver flash. 

By and by, " Halt ! " came, repeated along from the front, company after 
company. " Halt ! — a rail gone." 

From this time on, we were constantly interrupted. Not a half-mile passed 
without a rail up. Bonnell was always at the front, laying track ; and I am 
proud to say that he accepted me as aide-de-camp. Other fellows, unknown 
to me in the dark, gave hearty help. The Seventh showed that it could do 
something else than drill. 

At one spot, on a high embankment, over standing water, the rail was 
gone, — sunk, probably. Here we tried our rails brought from the turn-out : 
they were too short. We supplemented with a length of plank from our 
stores. We rolled our cars carefully over. They passed safe ; but Homans 
shook his head. He could not venture a locomotive on that frail stuff. So 
we lost the society of the "J. H. Nicholson." Next day, the Massachusetts 
commander called for some one to dive in the pool for the lost rail. Plump 
into the water went a little wiry chap, and grappled the rail. " When I 
come up," said the brave fellow afterwards to me, "one officer out with 
a twenty-dollar gold-piece, and wanted me to take it. ' That ain't what 
I come for,' says I. 'Take it,' says he, 'and share with the others.' 
' That ain't what they come for,' says I ; but I took a big cold," the diver 
continued, " and I'm condemned hoarse yit ;" which was the fact. 

Farther on, we found a whole length of track torn up on both sides, sleep- 
ers and all ; and the same thing repeated with alternations of breaks of single 
rails. Our howitzer-ropes came into play to hoist and haul. We were not 
going to be stopped. 

In a despatch from Gen. Butler, dated at Annapolis, April 26, 
1861, is a paragraph which states briefly the work accomplished: — 

It is now ten days since the Massachusetts troops were first called into the 
field, and their operations may be summed up thus : Two regiments have 
reached Fortress Monroe, and put it beyond danger of attack ; one. Col. 
Jones's, marched to the aid of the Federal capital, through Baltimore, and 
was baptized in blood ; another, the Eighth, has rescued the frigate " Con- 
stitution," and put her on the side of law and order; has taken possession 



THE MARCH TO WASHINGTON. 131 

of Annapolis and the railroad, building it as they went ; and, togetlier with 
their brethren of the Fifth, has marched to the capital, and thereby opened 
a communication through which thousands of troops are now passino^. The 
two battalions are now guarding the depot of troops. Are not these sufficient 
deeds for a campaign of many months ? 

Sabbath morning, May 4, at two o'clock, the Eighth New- York, 
tlie Sixth Massachusetts, and Cook's Battery, were ready to ad- 
vance towards Baltimore, which, it was decided, should como 
under the stars and stripes again. Two hours later, the troops 
were at the Relay House, holding possession of its depot, and look- 
ing in every direction for the presence of the enemy. 

While here, a private in the Sixth Regiment was poisoned by 
strychnine, administered in food sold by itinerant venders. He 
barely escaped death. 

The surprise of Baltimore was great, when, in the evening of 
May 13, the Sixth, and Cook's Battery, with the New-York Eighth, 
beneath the clouds of a storm whose lightning and thunder were 
terrific, marched from the cars into the wild gloom of the city, 
which was among the most successful and romantic achievements 
of military strategy. 

Gen. Butler had intended to accompany tlie troops to the capi- 
tal ; but the arrival of fresh regiments detained him, till an orde'r 
from Gen. Scott gave him command at Annapolis, which in a few 
days was enlarged to a department, including the region extend- 
ing back twenty miles each side of the railroad. 

The tender of troops to Gov. Hicks for the suppression of an 
apprehended insurrection of tlie negroes seemed to be an excess 
of fealty to the Constitution, which drew from Gov. Andrew a 
letter very emphatically objecting to the offer of such assistance 
in a community hostile to the Government. The commander 
justified himself on the ground that he was pledged to put down 
mobs, white and black ; and it was not legitimate warfare to let 
defenceless women and children in Maryland know " the hor- 
rors of St. Domingo." He and the army had grave lessons to 
learn concerning negro character, and the system of despotism 
under which, with marvellous patience and kindness, an injured 
race had borne its Shylock exactions. 

The line formed to the music, and in the light of the storm. 
The commander and his staff had reached Federal Hill, rising from 
the heart of the town, and were looking back upon the cavalcade, 
whose winding way and bristling steel were revealed distinctly 
with every flash from the echoing clouds, which poured down 



132 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

tlicir baptism upon the heroic host, when a blaze, which her- 
alded a crash of stunning severity, bathed for a moment the earth 
and sky. The pageantry of war never had a finer illumination, 
nor presented a scene of more thrilling splendor. The ranks of 
dripping men, the startled horses and their riders, the brazen 
ordnance, the city itself, all were aglow for an instant, extort- 
ing a murmur of admiration from the lips of every beholder. 

May 1, Capt. Albert Dodd's Boston company, ordered to join 
Major Devens's Rifles, was forwarded by the propeller " Cam- 
bridge," with sealed instructions, as follows : — 

Adjutant-General's Office, Boston, May 1, 1861. 
To Capt. Albert Dodd. 

Sir, — You are to go on board the steam-propeller " Cambridge " this af- 
ternoon with your command, and proceed at once to Fortress Monroe, where 
the troops on board the " Cambridge," belonging to the Third and Fourth 
Regiments, will be landed to join their respective companies now there. 

The " Cambridge " will tlien depart from Fortress Monroe, and proceed to 
AVashington by the Potomac River. Should the ship be attacked, you will 
use your utmost exertions to defend and protect her, and endeavor to have 
her make the passage of the Potomac, and arrive at Washington. 

When you arrive at Washington, you will report yourself to Gen. Butler, 
who is to attach you and your command to tlie battalion of rifles under com- 
mand of Major Devens. Your command will be known as Company D of 
that battalion. 

Should the "Cambridge" fail to get to Washington by the Potomac 
River, — though there is no such word as "fail" known to Massachusetts 
men, — the ship will proceed to Annapolis, where you will report yourself 
to Gren. Butler, and if he is not there, to Major Devens, and be attached to 
his battahon. You are to guard and protect the ship while you are on board 
of her, and to report yourself so as to be attached to Major Devens's com- 
mand when you land ; always holding yourself subject to superior officers, 
who are expected and instructed to carry forward the purport of these 
instructions. It is tlie earnest desire of his Excellency the Commander-in- 
Chief that the ship " Cambridge " shall reach Washington, and demonstrate 
that a Massachusetts ship, manned with Massachusetts men, shall be the first 
ship to arrive by that route, as our Sixth Regiment was the first to arrive at 
Washington through the hostile city of Baltimore. You will confer with the 
captain of the ship, and you and he will act in unison. 

By order of his Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor and Commander- 
in-Chief. ' 

WILLIAM SCHOULER, Adjutant- General. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE MARTYRED DEAD. — MILITARY MOVEMENTS. 

Reception of the Baltimore Martyrs in Boston. — Major Devens's Battery at Baltimore. — 
Gov. Andrew on the Special Preparation of the State for the War. — Adjutant-Gen. 
Schouler's Testimony to the Good Conduct of the Earlj'- Troops. — The Fifth at Bull 
Run. — Gen. Butler's Letter to Gov. Andrew. 

ON the day of departure of fresh troops, the bodies of the 
slain ill Baltimore, which Gov. Andrew had requested to be 
" tenderly forwarded," were brought back in the care of Merrill 
S. Wright, a private of the Richardson Light Infantry, of Lowell, 
detailed by Col. Jones for the purpose. From the depot to King's 
Chapel, escort duty was performed by the Independent Cadets. 
The. Governor, with other State officials and prominent citizens, 
followed in the long procession which attended the remains. The 
streets were thronged as when the martyrs kept step to martial 
music in the ranks which, two weeks before, filled the highway to 
its curbstones. 

There were tearful eyes then and now ; but how different, and 
yet not all unlike, the emotions swelling ten thousand hearts ! 

April 17, the pulses beat high with patriotism; in the sudden 
outflow, dimming many eyes ; while on other faces were min- 
gled the tears of the fond adieu with those of affection for the old 
flag. 'Now allwei-e mourners; but beneath the silence and gloom 
of that great sorrow, like volcanic fires fitfully gleaming tlirough 
the darkness of overhanging clouds and night, souls were aflame 
with the indignant purpose to avenge the martyr-blood of the 
State and nation, — a purpose whose light flashed from the eye of 
manhood and youth, and was breathed in tlie prayer that rose 
to God over those lifeless forms, which spake to the living of trea- 
son and liberty as no human voice could make appeal. 

The feeling in Boeton, and far away on every side around it, 
is eloquently expressed in connection with the brief biographies 
of the victims of the secession mob by the Executive of the Com- 
monwealth, in his address at the dedication of their monu- 
ment : — 

133 



134 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

When, on the evening of the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, there 
came the news along the wires that the Sixth Regiment had been cutting its 
way through the streets of BaUimore, whose pavements were reddened with 
the blood of Middlesex, it seemed as if there descended into our hearts a 
mysterious strength, and into our minds a supernal illumination. In many 
trying experiences of the war, we have watched by stai'light as well as sun- 
light the doubtful fortunes of our arms ; but never has the news of victory, 
decisive and grand, — not even that of Grettysburg, on which hung issues 
more tremendous than ever depended on the fortunes of a single battle-field, 
— so lifted us above ourselves, so transformed our earthly weakness into 
heavenly might by a glorious transfiguration. The citizens of yesterday 
were to-day the heroes whom history would never forget ; and the fallen 
brave had put on the crown of martyixlom more worthy than a hundred mor- 
tal diadems. Their blood alone was precious enough to wipe out the long 
arrears of shame. The great and necessary struggle was begun, without 
which we were a disgTaced, a doomed, a ruined people. We had reached 
the parting of the ways, and we liad not hesitated to choose the right one. 
Oh ! it is terrible, beyond expression terrible, to feel that only war, with all 
its griefs and pains and crimes, will save a people ; but how infinitely greater 
than the dread and the dismay with which we thought of war was the hope 
of that salvation I 

It was on the first day of May that Massachusetts received back to her 
soil the remains of these her children. 

One of the dead still sleeps at Baltimore. The mangled bodies of the 
other three, transported hither under charge of one of their fellow-soldiers, 
reached the State capital just before sunset, where they were received by the 
Governor of the Commonwealth, and were escorted through streets draped 
in emblems of mourning, and lined by thousands of citizens with uncovered 
heads and moistened eyes, to the "Vassal Tomb" beneath the ancient King's 
Chapel. On the way, they were borne past the State House, over the same 
gi'ound where, twelve days before, they had stood to receive the flag which 
they swore to defend, and which they died defending. 

Of these three martyrs, tlie name of but one was known. — that of Sum- 
ner Henry Needham, of Lawrence. The rolls of the regiment were cut off 
with its baggage in the struggle at Baltimore. But, had not this accident 
occurred, they might have failed to affc'rd means of identifying the remains ; 
for, in the haste of the original assembling and moving of the regiment, they 
had escaped careful revision. Some men had discarded tli'^ implements and 
clothing of peace, and fallen into the ranks on its march across the city the 
very hour of its departure. In those early days, wlicn the nation was waver- 
ing between life and death, we did not waste time on forms. We were asked 
to send two regiments of troops as soon as we could. We did send five regi- 
ments, and more, sooner than the country had believed it was possible for any 
State to do ; but, in accomplishing that, we neglected formalities which would 
have been indispensable under an exigency less tremendous. 



GOV. ANDREW AND THE DEAD AT BALTIMORE. 135 

Therefore it was that two of the three corpses — the same two which have 
mouldered into these ashes in the presence of which we stand — hiy before 
us that May evening, without a name. Later in the night, under the direc- 
tion of officers of the headquarter's stafi' of Massachusetts, and in the pres- 
ence of the mayors of the cities of Lawrence and of Lowell, these bodies 
were identified ; and the names of Luther Crawford Ladd and Addison Otis 
Whitney, two young mechanics, both of Lowell, were added to that of Need- 
ham. And completing the four is the name of Charles A. Taylor, whose 
residence and family even now remain unknown. 

To complete the historical record of the humble men who thus, by a for- 
tunate and glorious death, have made their names imperishable, let us review 
the brief stories of their lives. They are quickly told. They are simple in 
incident, and tliey are characteristic of New Engl>ind. 

Little is known of Taylor, except that his trade was that of a decorative 
painter. The most careful inquiries of his officers have failed to discover his 
residence or his origin. On the evening of April 16, he presented himself 
at Boston in the hall where the regiment was quartered, and was enrolled as 
a A'olunteer. He appeared to be about twenty-five yeai's of age. His hair 
was light, his eyes blue. After he fell on the pavement at Baltimore on 
the afternoon of April 19, his brutal murderers beat him with clubs until life 
was extinct. 

Needham was born March 2, 1828, at Bethel, a little town lying under 
the shadow of the White Mountains, on the banks of the Androscoggin Eiver, 
in the County of Oxford, in the State of Maine. About 1850, he came to 
Lawrence, in Massachusetts, and engaged in his trade there as a plasterer. 
After he fell mortally wounded at Baltimore, he was removed to the in- 
firmary, where he lingered until April 27, when he died. His remains lie 
at Lawrence, where his wife and child reside. 

Luther Crawford (son of John and Fanny) Ladd was born at Alexandria, 
near the Merrimack River, in the County of Grafton, in the State of New 
Hampshire, where his parents still reside, on the twenty-second day of De- 
cember, 1843, being the anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims. 

Addison Otis (son of John F. and Jane B.) Whitney was born Oct. 30, 
1839, at Waldo, in the county of the same name, which borders on the 
Penobscot River, near where it joins the sea, in the State of Maine. Both 
died unmarried. 

These brief lives offer no incidents that are not common to most of the 
ingenuous young men of New England. Born of honest parentage, the 
youth of both Ladd and Whitney was passed by the side of tlie great rivers, 
and the sea, and the mountains of New England, and was nurtured in correct 
principles and fair ambition by the teaching of free schools, until, arrived at 
manhood, and attracted by the opportunities of the groat mechanical estab- 
lishments of the eastei'n counties of 3Iassachusetts, they came to Lowell, and 
were employed, the first in a machine-shop, the second in the spinning-room, 
of one of its manufactories. Their companions in toil and in social life testify 



136 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

to theii- exemplary habits, their amiable disposition, and their laudable indus- 
try. And thus they wei-e engaged, constant in work, hopeful of long life, 
and confident of the success which is everywhere in New England the fruit 
of free and honest labor, when the sudden summons reached them to take 
up arms for their country. They never faltered for one moment in simple- 
hearted patriotism and loyal obedience. At Lowell, on the fifteenth day of 
April, they dropped the garb of the artisan, and assumed that of the citizen- 
soldier. Four days afterwards at Baltimore, their mortal bodies, bruised and 
lifeless, lay on the bloody stones of Pratt Street, the victims of the brutal 
mob. 

Both "Whitney and Ladd were young, and moved by a dauntless enthu- 
siasm. Whitney was but twenty-one years of age, and Ladd was only in 
his eighteenth year. 

Whitney joined the Lowell City Guards (Company D, of the Sixth Regi- 
ment) in the summer of 1860. He attended muster with the regiment that 
year, and was discharged early in the winter of 1861, because he was learn- 
ing a trade, and could ill afford the time and expense of membership. On 
the call of the Governor on the regimental commanders, in March, 1861, to 
ascertain how many men in their commands would be ready for active service 
in case they should be needed, Whitney promptly came forward, and signified 
his willingness to obey the summons. He signed the rolls of the company 
with the understandmg, that, if it sliould not be wanted, he should be dis- 
charged. On the evening of April 15, when the order came for the regiment 
to get ready to leave the following day, he was among the first to put on his 
uniform. In company with a comrade, he left the armory about two o'clock, 
during the night of the 16th, for the purpose of procuring his photograph in 
the early morning ; and he was at his company post promptly at the time 
appointed. 

In passing through Baltimore, he was on the left of the first section ; and 
while marching through Pratt Street, near the bridge, was seen to fall. Some 
of his comrades, thinking he had stumbled, tried to assist him ; but, finding 
he was dead, they left him where he fell. A bullet had pierced his right 
breast, passing down the body, causing instant death. The shot was un- 
doubtedly fired from the upper window of a house. The coat which he wore 
was found stripped of every button, cut off by the mob. The place in the 
coat where the bullet entered is plainly visible, saturated with his blood. 

The precise manner of the death of Ladd is known by the bullet-holes, of 
which there are several, through the coat and the overcoat he wore, and by 
their gory stains. He is reported to have cultivated a strong taste for histori- 
cal reading, and from his earliest boyhood to have entered with ardor into the 
study of our national affairs. He enlisted in the City Guards, at Lowell, 
three months before his death, on the occasion of the appearance of the 
General Order of that year from the Commonwealth headquarters, already 
alluded to, and known as Order No. 4 ; and he expressed his desire to join 
that company most likely to be called to active duty. By his youth lie was 



TELEGRAMS BETWEEN BOSTON AND BALTIMORE. 137 

legally exempt from military service, and bis friends would have dissuaded 
him at last from assuming its hardships and perils ; but he met their persua- 
sions by an appeal to the flag of his country, whose fortunes he declared that 
he would surely follow. And when the fatal bullets had smitten him, and he 
lay struggling with death, the vision of his country's flag suddenly seemed 
to flash before him as a momentary glory and delight ; and exclaiming aloud 
with his dying voice, "x\ll hail to the stripes and stars!" the soldier-boy 
ended his brief campaign. 

The public opinion that permitted this tragedy derives its interpretation 
from public documents and official action which leave no doubt of the value 
of the Massachusetts militia to the Union cause, no doubt of the danger their 
service averted, no doubt of the urgent necessity of that very march through 
Baltimore, no doubt that it was the hinge on which turned the ultimate fate 
of Maryland, and perhaps of the Union. Our miUtia were ready not a day 
too soon, nor were they an hour too late. The people of Baltimore, so tele- 
graphed the Mayor to myself, on the 20th of April, regarded the passage of 
armed troops of another State through their streets as an invasion of their 
soil, and could not be restrained. The Governor of Maryland and the Mayor 
of Baltimore represented to President Lincoln that the people were exaspe- 
rated to the highest degree by the presence of the troops, and that it was not 
possible for more soldiers to pass through Baltimore. They remonstrated 
against the transit of more soldiers, and they required that the troops already 
in the State be sent back to its borders. In reply to the Mayor of Baltimore, 
the Govo'nor of Massachusetts telegraphed, " I am overwhelmed with sur- 
prise that a peaceful march of American citizens over the highway to the de- 
fence of our common capital should be deemed aggressive to Baltimoreans. 
Through New York their march was triumphal." 

The loyal people of the Union shared this surprise, and exhibited it through 
the public press, in public meetings, in cordial response to the Presidential 
proclamation, and by promptly raising troops for three months' service. The 
affair of the 19th of April was observed throughout the country with inex- 
pressible emotion. 

In the Coiigressional debates on " The Reconstruction of the 
States," in April, 18G4, the Hon. Mr. Williams of Pennsylvania, 
in a speech of " rare beauty and masterly power,'' pronounced a 
feeling- eulogy upon Massachusetts, in connection with the recep- 
tion and burial of the bodies of those slain heroes. He ex- 
claimed, — 

Leave Massachusetts out in die cold ! Wliat matters it that no tropical 
sun has fevered her Northern l)Lxid into the delirivmi of treason V I know no 
trait of tenderness more touching and more human than that with which she 
received back to her arms the bodies of her lifeless children. " Handle them 
tenderly " was the message of her loyal Governor. Massachusetts desired to 

18 



138 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

look once more upon the faces of her martyred sons, "marred as they were 
by traitors." She lifted gently the sable pall that covered them. She gave 
them a soldier's burial and a soldier's farewell ; and then, Hke David of old, 
when he was informed that the child of his affections had ceased to live, she 
rose to her feet, dashed the tear-drop from her eye, and in twenty days her 
iron-clad battalions were crowning the heights, and her guns frowning destruc- 
tion over the streets, of the rebel city. Shut out Massachusetts in the cold ! 
Yes : you may blot lier out from the map of the continent ; you may bring 
back the glacial epoch, when the arctic ice-drift, that has deposited so many 
monuments on her soil, swept over her buried surface ; when the polar bear, 
perhaps, paced the driving floes, and the walrus frolicked among the tumbling 
icebergs : but you cannot sink her deep enough to drown the memory of 
Lexington and Concord, or bury the summit of the tall column that lifts its 
head over the first of our battle-fields. "With her," in the language of her 
great son, " the past, at least, is secui'e." The Muse of History has flung 
her story upon the world's canvas in tints that wiU not fade, and cannot die. 

Meanwhile Major Deveiis's battalion of riflomen was ordered 
to Fort McHenry, in the harbor of Baltimore, where it completed 
the term of service. Although quiet duty, it was indispensable, 
at that place and time, to keep restless Maryland in the Union. 

May 14, at an extra session of the Legislature, Gov. Andrew, 
in his address, made statements which further show the singular 
pre-eminence of the State in readiness to hear the call to arms, 
repeated at intervals during the subsequent months and years. 
The Governor said, — 

In view of the great lack of arms existing in this Commonwealth, certain 
to become apparent in the event of a continued struggle, — a want shared by 
the States in common with each other, — under the advice and consent of the 
Council, I commissioned a citizen of Massachusetts, on the twenty-seventh 
day of April (who sailed almost immediately in the steamer "Persia"), to 
proceed to England, charged with the duty of purchasing Minie rifles, or 
other arms of corresponding efliclency, in England, or on the Continent, as 
ho might find it needful or desirable. To this end, he was furnished with a 
letter of credit to the amount of fifty thousand pounds sterling ; and he was 
attended by an accomplished and experienced armorer, familiar with the work- 
shops of the Old World. The production of fire-arms at home will, of neces- 
sity, remain for a considerable period inadequate to the home demand, and I 
await with much interest the arrival from abroad of our expected importa- 
tion ; and I have no doubt that Congress, at its approaching special session, 
will relieve this Commonwealth from the payment of the duties chargeable 
thereon. 

In addition to its other military defences, the Xautical School-ship has been 
fitted up to aid in guarding the coast of the Commonwealth. She has 



MILITARY DEFENCES OF TUE STATE. 139 

been armed with four sis-pouud cauuon and fifty-two muskets. The Collect- 
or of the district of Boston and Charlestown has commissioned, and placed 
on board the ship, an "aide to the revenue," with instructions to overhaul 
all suspicious vessels ; warning him to use that authority with caution and 
moderation. Each afternoon, at the expiration of business-hours, the col- 
lector telegraphs to the station at Hull the names of all vessels having per- 
mission to pass out of the harbor of Boston ; and, the list being immediately 
forwarded to the ship, the " aide " is authorized to order all vessels not so 
reported, and attempting to leave the harbor between sunset and sunrise, to 
wait till the next day, and until he is satisfied of their right to pass. 

The commander of the ship is instructed to assist the ' ' aide to the rev- 
enue" to see that thorough discipline is at all times maintained; that the 
rules of the ship are strictly obeyed ; that all due economy is practised ; that 
the exercises of the school are daily continued ; and to see that the boys re- 
ceive kind treatment, and their habits, morals, and . education are carefully 
and constantly regarded. On the 7th of this month, the ship left the harbor 
of Boston, and is now cruising in the bay in the performance of the duties 
assigned her. 

A sense of insecurity along our coast, under the late piratical proclamation 
of Jeifersou Davis, as well as our constant wants for transportation service, 
have induced a purchase for the Commonwealth, as a part owner with the 
underwriters of Boston, of the steamer " Cambridge," of about eight hun- 
dred and sixty tons' burthen, and of the steamer "Pembroke," of two hundred 
and forty tons, both of which, equipped with competent naval armament, and 
ready to fight their way over the seas, are engaged in service. The " Cam- 
bridge " has carried a full cargo of ai-ms, men, and supplies, in ample quan- 
tities, not only to Fortress Monroe, but up the Potomac itself ; and, in spite 
of the danger supposed to menace her from its banks, she has safely carried 
tents, stores, provisions, and clothing to our troops at Washington. 

Besides making the requisite appropriations to meet these and other ex- 
penses, and adopting measures to establish the power of the Executive to 
meet the emergencies of the occasion on a distinctly legal foundation^ my 
other principal purpose in convening the General Court was to ask its atten- 
tion to the subject of a State Encampment for MUitary Instruction. 

Wise statesmansliip requires an adequate anticipation of all future wants 
of the controversy, whether as to the number or quality of the military force, 
its discipline, instruction, arms, or equipment. At this moment, there exist 
one hundred and twenty-nine companies newly enlisted into the active militia, 
all of wliom were induced to enroll themselves by the possibility of active 
duty in the field. Many of these are anxious to receive orders for service ; 
and, witlidrawing themselves from other avocations, they are now endeavoiing 
to perfect themselves in the details of a soldier's routine of duty. It seemed 
equally an injustice towards those who are disposed to arms, and to all other 
citizens on whom future exigencies might cast the inconvenient necessity of 
taking the field, to discourage these efforts and struggles of patriotic ambi- 



140 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

tion. It is important to secure a reasonable number of soldiers, to have them 
ascertained, within reach, and in a proper condition for service ; and it is 
scarcely less important that other citizens should be left as free as may be 
from the distractions of a divided duty, so as to pursue with heart and hope 
the business enterprises of private life. The best public economy is found in 
the forethought of considered plans, disposing the means, pursuits, and people 
of the whole community, so as to meet all exigencies without confusion, and 
with the least possible derangement of productive industry ; and I have, 
therefore, to these ends, earnestly considered the suggestions of various emi- 
nent citizens, the written requests or memorials, numerously signed, which 
have reached me, and the advice of the highest officers in our own militia, all 
uniting in the recommendation of a State encampment. 

0)1 the 30th of May, Geii. E. W. Pierce, Second Brigade, First 
Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, succeeded Brig-.-Gen. 
Butler after his promotion. 

Of these regiments, which obeyed the call to arms while yet 
the Rebellion was regarded as a transient ebullition of passioii, 
Adjutant-Gen. Schouler wrote in his report to Gov. Andrew : — 

It would far exceed the limits of this report to recount in detail the brave 
acts of our three-months' troops during their term of service. It is sufficient, 
perhaps, to say that they were the first to -respond to the call of the Presi- 
dent, the first to march through Baltimore to the defence of the capital, the 
first to shed their blood for the maintenance of our Government, the first to 
open the new route to Washington by way of Annapolis, the first to land on 
the soil of Virginia and hold possession of the most important fortress in the 
Union, the first to make the voyage of the Potomac and approach the Fed- 
eral city by water, as they had been the first to reach it by land. They 
upheld the good name of the State during their entire term of service, as 
well by their good conduct and gentlemanly bearing as by their courao-e and 
devotion to duty in the hour of peril. They proved the sterling woi-th of our 
volunteer militia. Their record is one which will ever redound to the honor 
of Massachusetts, and will be prized among her richest historic treasures. 
These men have added new splendor to our Revolutionary annals ; and the 
brave sons who were shot down in the streets of Baltimore on the 19th of 
April have rendered doubly sacred the day when the greensward of Lexino-- 
ton Common was drenched with the blood of their fathers. 

From the 13th of April to the 20th of May, one hundred and fifty-nine 
applications were granted at the Adjutant-General's office to responsible par- 
ties for leave to raise companies. In nearly every instance, the application 
was signed by the requisite number of men for a company. These applica- 
tions came from every part of the Commonwealth, and represented all classes, 
creeds, and nationalities. The authorities of the several cities and towns 
acted with patriotic liberality toward these companies, furnishing good accom- 



THE ADJUTANT ON THE TIJREE-MONTUS' 3JEN. 141 

moclations for tliilling, aiul providing for the families of the men. In addi- 
tion to these companies,, organizations for drill-purposes and home-guards 
sprung up at once in every part of the State ; and numerous applications 
were received for loans of muskets to these parties, that they might perfect 
themselves in the manual. This spirit of patriotism was encouraged to its 
full extent by the means at the disposal of the Adjutant-General. From the 
13th of April to the 20th of May, about two thousand seven hundred old 
muskets were distributed to forty of these organizations. In every instance, 
good security was required and given for the safe-keeping of these arms, and 
their return to the State when called for, generally from the selectmen of the 
towns making application. When the office of Master of Ordnance was cre- 
ated by your Excellency on the 27th of May, the papers and vouchers re- 
lating to the arms were transferred from this department ; and the report of 
the ]Master of Ordnance, which accompanies this, will show the exact amount 
and condition of our ordnance material at that time. 

About the 1st of May, an association of Massachusetts men, forming a 
company in Cincinnati, made an urgent request for arms. Their committee 
had applied at New York and Philadelphia without success, and at length 
came to Massachusetts. As we liad just received five thousand new smooth- 
bore mfiskets from the Springfield Armory, I sold them one hundred ; for 
which they paid thirteen hundred dollars, the Government price. The money 
was deposited in the State Treasury, and doubtless the muskets were soon in 
the hands of men who did good service in the Union army of Kentucky. 

The Fifth Regiment participated iu the first great battle of the 
war at Manassas. Col. Lawrence was wounded. Hiram S. Col- 
lins, Haverhill, Company D ; Sergeant William H. Lawrence, 
Medford, Company E ; Sergeant Charles W. Cassebourne, Thomas 
Kettle, Isaac M. Low, Stephen O'Hara, Cyrus T. Wardwell, and 
Edward J. Williams, all of Boston, Company F ; Sergeant Wil- 
liam S. Rice, Concord, Company G ; George A. Thompson, Salem, 
Company H, — were killed. Twenty-two were missing after the 
fight was over. 

The three-months' volunteers were distributed over the State as 
follows : — 



In Barnstable County . 
Berkshire County . 
Bristol County 
Essex County 
Franklin County . 
Hampden County . 
Hampshire County . 
Middlesex County . 
Norfolk County 



Commissioned 






Officers. 


Privates. 


Total. 





6 


6 


3 


73 


7G 


21 


192 


213 


71 


857 


928 





1 


1 





3 


3 





2 


2 


57 


882 


939 


21 


391 ■ 


412 



19 


333 


352 


27 


325 


352 


24 


339 


363 


1 


56 


57 


- 


32 


32 



142 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLIONS, 

In Plymouth County .... 
Suffolk County .... 
Worcester County .... 
Other States ..... 
Residence not given . . • 

Totals 244 3,492 3,736 

The warlike condition of the State militia now inaugurated, 
together with a rapidly augmenting force in the field, made an 
additional force in the Adjutant-General's field of manifold ser- 
vice a necessity. 

On the 20th of April, Lieut.-Col. John H. Reed, of Boston, was 
commissioned quartermaster-general, with the rank of brigadier- 
general. 

Dr. William J. Dale, of Boston, was commissioned surgeon- 
general, and Elijah D. Brigham, of Boston, commissary -general, 
severally with the rank of colonel, on the 13th of June. 

Gen. Ebenezer W. Stone, of Roxbury, was commissioned mas- 
ter of ordnance, with the rank of colonel, on the 25th of May ; 
which office he held until the 3d of October. On the 7th of Oc- 
tober, Charles Amory, Esq., of Boston, was commissioned as his 
successor. 

Albert G. Browne, jun., of Salem, was commissioned as military 
secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, May 27, 1861 ; rank, lieu- 
tenant-colonel. 

Assistants were added to departments with the increase of offi- 
cial business. 

Upon the appointment of Gen. Butler to the rank of major- 
general, his immediate connection with the State troops ceased. 
In a note to Gov. Andrew, he thus warmly speaks of the patriotic 
Executive : — 

I cannot close our official relations, and my nearer official relations to the 
Massachusetts troops, without expressing to your Excellency my deep sense 
of obligation for the kind and vigilant attention which you have bestowed 
upon every want of the soldiers on duty here, the unremitting exertions to 
aid us in the discharge of our duties, your unvarying personal kindness to us 
all, and especially to myself. If we have in any degree well done that duty 
to the country, and properly performed that service, which Massachusetts had 
a right to expect from us, in upholding her fame, so dear to all her sons, it 
has been because we have been so unweariedly and faithfully aided at home 
by the exertions of your Excellency and the military department of the 
State ; and I take leave of your Excellency with sentiments of the highest 
respect and firmest friendship. 



LOYALTY OF THE PEOPLE. 143 

The Common wealth was therefore prepared for the next call from 
the Government upon her waituig volunteers, whose Executive 
worthily represented her spirit when he said, — 

To whatever work of patriotic duty they are called, the people will come. 
There are those now among us, and still ready to serve the country, who 
remember in the war of 1812 the thousands flocking down, some even 
from beyond the county of Worcester, each man with pick or shovel on his 
shoulder, and each town or parish headed by its pastor, armed like the rest, 
to labor on the forts and defences of Boston. The people, if need be, could 
come themselves, and wall up our coast with the masonry of war. 



^ 



CHAPTER V. 

THE THKEE -YEARS' REGIMENTS. 

The President's Call for Volunteers. — Response of the States. — The first Regiment. — 
Its Origin. — Departure for the Seat of War. — Marches and Battles. 

PRESIDENT LINCOLN, who had become convinced by the 
"logic of events" that the war was no transient ebullition 
of sectional feeling, but a deadly conflict whose end none could 
discern, issued on May 3, 18G1, a call for troops to serve three 
years, unless the dawn of peace disbanded the army before the 
expiration of that period. 

In the towns of Massachusetts, and elsewhere in the loyal States, 
volunteer companies had been formed, anticipating the demand 
for their services in the widening arena of bloody conflict. May 
23, in accordance with the President's proclamation, the Ad- 
jutant-General of Massachusetts published an order for the organ- 
ization of six regiments of infantry, each to consist of ten compa- 
nies ; the maximum strength to be a thousand and forty-six men ; 
and the minimum, eight hundred and forty-six. 

Each regiment was to have a chaplain, who must be a regularly 
ordained minister of some religious denomination. The six regi- 
ments were promptly organized. 

The Third and Fourth Militia Regiments at Fortress Monroe 
were incomplete ; and, to supply the deficiency, three-years' troops 
were taken. May 9, a company from Lynn, commanded by Capt. 
W. D. Chamberlain, and another, raised in Boston and vicinity, left 
the city in the steamer " Pembroke " for Fortress Monroe. Nine 
days later, Capt. L. Leach's company from Bridgewater, Capt. J. 
H. Barnes's company from East Boston, Capt. Charles Chipman's 
company from Sandwich, and Capt. S. H. Doten's company from 
Plymouth, sailed in the " Cambridge," having the same destination. 
On the 22d, Capt. P. H. Davis's company from Lowell, and Capt. 
T. W. Clarke's of Boston, were carried by the " Pembroke " to join 
the Third and Fourth Regiments. After the three-months' troops 
returned, the remaining companies were formed into an infantry 

144 



HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT. 145 

battalion, which afterwards became, by additions, the Twenty-ninth 
Infantry Regiment, whose record will appear in another place. 

FIRST REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

This regiment was the first to leave the State for three years' 
service, and is said to have been the first three-years' regiment 
in the service of the United States. 

In its original composition, it was made up mainly from the 
First Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, of which Col. Robert Cow- 
din of Boston was the commander. 

As soon as the news of the assault on Fort Sumter reached Bos- 
ton, Col. Cowdin waited upon Gov. Andrew, and offered the 
services of himself and command to proceed immediately to the 
defence of Washington. He continued daily to urge the claims of 
his regiment until the 27th of April, when he received an order 
from the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts to prepare his regiment 
to go to the seat of war, and to report himself in person the next 
day at tlie State House, and select from the companies offered him 
enough to fill up his regiment to the requisite standard (ten com- 
panies) ; he having already detailed two companies from his regi- 
ment to fill up other regiments, by order of his Excellency the 
Governor. 

May 8, orders having been received from the War Department 
calling for volunteers for three years' service, the First at once 
unanimously responded, and, after some delay, was mustered 
into the service of the United States as follows : — 

Field and staff officers. May 25. 

Companies A, B, G, H, May 23. 

Companies D, F, K, I, May 24. 

Company E, May 25. 

Company C, May 27. 

The field and staff" of the regiment were composed as follows ; 
viz. : — 

Col. Robert Cowdin, Lieut-Col. George D. Wells, Major Charles 
P. Chandler, Surgeon Richard H. Salter, Assistant Surgeon Sam- 
uel A. Green, and Chaplain Warren H. Cudworth. 

Col. Cowdin, whose father and grandfather were military men, 
was a faithful officer, who had maintained during his long resi- 
dence in Boston a high cliaracter as a consistent temperance 
man, but whose promotion, though urged by superior officers, 
was, for some reason, opposed in other influential quarters. 

19 



146 MASSACHUSETTS IJY THE REBELLION: 

Lieut.-Col. Wells was a very capable and faithful officer, aad 
was promoted to the command of the Thirty-fourth Regiment. 

Major Chandler was killed at Glendale, Ya., and was a faithful 
and meritorious officer. His body was never recovered, but is sup- 
posed to have been buried on the field. 

B, D, E, F, G, were the original companies of the First : the 
others were added to make up the complement, — ten companies. 
From May 25 to June 1, the headquarters of the regiment were 
at Faneuil Hall. Its first camp was established in Old Cambridge, 
about six miles from Boston, and called Camp Ellsworth ; after- 
wards the regiment went to Camp Cameron, in North Cambridge. 

The regiment complete was mustered into service, and left 
Camp Cameron for the seat of war, June 15, 1861, and marched 
to the depot of the Boston and Providence Railroad. Here a 
flag was presented by Alderman Pray in behalf of the City 
Council of Boston ; and an address was made by his Honor 
Mayor "Wightman, to which Col. Cowdin responded. Eight 
o'clock, P.M., the soldiers entered the cars in waiting, and 
the train started. All along the route, they were met with 
patriotic demonstrations. Crowds thronged the railroad stations, 
wild with excitement. At Providence, they were welcomed with 
a national salute. Arriving at Groton, Conn., the cars were ex- 
changed for the commodious steamer " Commonwealth." At fifteen 
minutes before two, p.m., June 16, the steamer, gayly decorated 
with flags, and every available standing-place crowded with sol- 
diers, arrived at the pier in Jersey City. The troops debarked, and 
were welcomed with a bountiful entertainment, tendered by the sons 
of Massachusetts, Mr. Warren, President ; and, after a few hours' 
detention, took the cars for Washington. Arriving in Philadelphia 
the next morning, they were marched to the Cooper Shop and 
Union Refreshment Saloons, where a welcome such as soldiers know 
how to appreciate awaited them. It was now the 17th of June, 
the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill. Since the 19th of 
April, when the Sixth Regiment was assaulted in its streets, no 
troops had passed through Baltimore. At the urgent request of 
Col. Cowdin, he was permitted to go that route, instead of by way 
of Harrisburg or Annapolis as other troops had gone. In order 
to be prepared for any emergency, as they drew nigh the city, ten 
rounds of ball cartridges were distributed to each man, and every 
gun examined, loaded, and capped. On alighting from the cars, the 
regiment formed, and marched up Baltimore Street to the Wash- 
ington depot, a distance of nearly two miles. 



FIBST REGIMENT AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. 147 

Throughout the Hue of marcli, though the sidewalks, steps, 
windows, balconies, and even house-tops, were thronged with spec- 
tators, not a word was uttered on either side, not a cheer or groan 
was heard, and not a secession flag or motto appeared. Taking 
the cars in waiting at the depot, they arrived in Washington at 
seveu,P.M., before the arrangements for their accommodation had 
been perfected. 

Their presence in the capital, then rank with the spirit of se- 
cession, gave to loyal hearts a sense of security ; and, for the first 
time since the outbreaking of the Rebellion, loyal men breathed 
freely in Washington. 

On the 19th of June, the regiment went into camp beyond 
Georgetown on the Potomac, about two miles from Chain Bridge. 
On their way, the troops passed in review before President Lin- 
coln, who expressed to Gen. Morse great satisfaction with the ap- 
pearance of the troops. To a delegation of New-England men 
who had called upon him to pledge their sympathy and co-opera- 
tion in the great struggle, the President expressed his gratifi- 
cation at the surprising promptness of the Old Bay State in 
responding to the first call, and said, "It is evident the Massa- 
chusetts people have got riley, and, from what we have just wit- 
nessed, appear to be coming down here to settle.'''' This hon-mot 
produced considerable merriment ; and the President, begging to 
be excused on the ground of pressing engagements, retired. The 
new camp of the regiment was named Camp Banks. 

Tlie 4th of July was a lovely day, and was not permitted by the 
soldiers to pass without some patriotic recognition. The celebra- 
tion was opened with the booming of cannon, and the playing of 
the national airs by the regimental band ; after which followed 
a dress-parade. A handsome silk banner was formally presented 
to Col. Cowdin by Col. Ellis, of the First California Regiment, in 
behalf of the San-Francisco City Guards ; Capt. Moore, their 
commander, having formerly served under Col. Cowdin. An ap- 
propriate reply was made by the colonel. Speeches were also 
made by Senators McDougal and Wilson, Representative Eliot, 
and others. 

On the 16th of July, the First Massachusetts, Second and Third 
Michigan, and Twelfth New- York, constituting Richardson's bri- 
gade, crossed over Chain Bridge, in Virginia, — their first appear- 
ance on its " sacred soil." Advancing till night, tliey bivouacked 
in a large field in Vienna. On the ITtli, after marching all day, 
they encamped about two miles this side of Ceutreville. On the 



148 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION: 

morning of the 18th, before breaking camp, Col. Cowdin requested 
Col. Richardson that the First Massachusetts miglit be placed in 
advance; assigning as a reason, that he would like to pit Mas- 
sacluisetts against South Carolina, it being understood that the 
troops of this latter State were in advance of the rebel array. 
The request was granted ; and Col. Cowdin made the remark, that 
it was the best order he ever received in his life. 

To the First Massachusetts belongs the honor of opening the 
memorable skirmish of Blackburn's Ford. It was the only 
regiment under musketry fire ; and according to Estavan, a colonel 
of Confederate cavalry, this regiment had opposed to them the 
whole of Longstreet's brigade, afterwards re-enforced by Early's 
brigade. The skirmishers of the First, under the command of Lieut. 
George H. Johnston, afterwards assistant adjutant-general, gal- 
lantly carried the Butler House at the point of the bayonet under 
a heavy fire of musketry; the rebels leaving the house by one door 
as the Massachusetts boys entered the other. The skirmishers 
were then ordered to deploy into an open field under fire of the 
enemy's sharpshooters, where they suffered severely. Two com- 
panies were sent to their relief, but were driven back with loss. 
The enemy then advanced out of the wood in large numbers 
with the cry of " Bayonet them, bayonet them ! " and in a mo- 
ment more the skirmishers would have been killed or captured ; 
but the First came upon the double-quick, and, pouring a volley 
into the enemy over the heads of the skirmishers, rescued the 
Union troops. Col. Cowdin was the most conspicuous man in 
the regiment, fighting in white shirt-sleeves at the head of his 
men. In one case, having ordered the men to lie down amid 
a heavy fire from the enemy, he alone remained standing, and 
remarked, " The bullet is not cast that can hit me to-day." 
Some person speaking to him on the left, he leaned that way 
to understand more distinctly, when a ten-pounder, whizzing 
past his right side, shattered a tree directly behind him. 
The colonel turned calmly around, and said, " I am certain 
that the ball is not yet cast that will kill me ; " and issued 
his command as coolly as though he were on a dress-parade. The 
regiment retreated only when ordered to do so by Col. Richard- 
son. Had Col. Cowdin been supported as he wished, the enemy 
would have been driven from this position, and the rout of Bull 
Run would never have taken place. Gen. Tyler testifies substan- 
tially this before the Committee on the Conduct of the War. 
This affair, though a mere skirmish, was of great interest to the 



THE FIRST AT BULL BUN AND NEAR WASHINGTON. 149 

First Regiment, as it was their earliest experience under fire. The 
movement was probably intended simply to feel the position and 
strength of the enemy ; but it had a furtlier importance, in teach- 
ing the volunteers how to meet the bullets of the enemy. 

This movement was nearly a failure, although the troops did 
remarkably well. The regiment fell back to Centrcville, which 
for some days was the focus of interest. 

During the battle of Bull Run, July 21, the First was stationed 
at Blackburn's Ford, where it remained until the retreat of the 
army, when it reluctantly fell back, astonished tliat the battle 
which it had begun so well had been so unaccountably lost. 

On the 23d of July, in anticipation of an attack on Washing- 
ton, it was ordered to Fort Albany, on Arlington Heights, a new 
breastwork overlooking Washington, Georgetown, Alexandria, 
and the adjacent country. On the loth of August, the regiment 
was detached from Col. Richardson's brigade, and ordered to 
the vicinity of Bladensburg, on the opposite side of the river, 
beyond the capital, and there incorporated with Gen. Hooker's 
brigade, then composed of the Eleventh Massachusetts, the Se- 
cond New -Hampshire, and the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania. 
Bladensburg, where the regiment was encamped, is a place 
of some historic interest. It was the scene of the battle 
between the English and the American forces, fought Aug. 24, 
1814, which resulted in the capture and destruction of the 
Capitol by the British. Here Adjutant William H. Lawrence 
(now a brevet brigadier-general) was appointed aide to Gen. 
Hooker, and First Lieut. George H. Johnston appointed adjutant. 
Li anticipation of trouble in some parts of Lower Maryland, the 
First Regiment, with two companies of cavalry, all under the 
command of Col. Cowdin, was sent with five days' rations to 
search for arms and military stores of the rebels, and cut off their 
communication with Virginia. After thirty days' absence, the 
regiment returned, having done good service. 

Oct. 14, Col. Cowdin was detached from the regiment, and 
put in command of the first brigade of Hooker's division, just 
then created by Gen. McClellan's new arrangement of the army ; 
Lieut. G. H. Johnston appointed acting assistant adjutant-gen- 
eral ; and Lieut. George E. Henry, aide-de-camp. Lieut-Col. 
Wells succeeded to the command of the regiment, which left 
Bladensburg Oct. 25, and proceeded down the Maryland shore of 
the Potomac to Posey's Plantation, opposite the rebel batteries at 
Dumfries and Shipping Point. This march was exceedingly hard ; 



150 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

it was hastened, as the rebel steamer "Page" had been trouble- 
some a day or two before, and troops were needed at that point. 
No orders having come for winter-quarters, the regiment was 
not slow in providing comfortable log-houses for the coming win- 
ter. This camp was named, in honor of the division-general, Camp 
Hooker. 

In February, Gen. Naglee was placed in command of the bri- 
gade, and Col. Cowdin returned to his regiment. The advance of 
McClellan's army began to pass down the river about the middle 
of March ; but the First Regiment did not leave camp until the 
7th of April, when it went on board the steamer " Kennebec " for 
Fortress Monroe. On the morning of the 16th, it moved to 
the front before Yorktown, and encamped in line of battle ; 
Gen. Hooker's division having the centre of Gen. Heintzle- 
man's corps. Here began a routine of fatigue and picket 
duty. On the 26th, three companies, — I, H, and A, — un- 
der command of Lieut-Col. George D. Wells, were detailed 
for special duty, whose object was a rebel redoubt just erected, 
the guns of which were exceedingly annoying to the pickets and 
working-parties. The expedition was successful. The rebels evac- 
uated Yorktown May 4 ; and, in close pursuit of their retreating 
columns. Gen. Hooker's division the same evening bivouacked 
within five miles of Williamsburg. The next morning, advancing 
at an early hour, the division met the pickets of the enemy. The 
First were deployed as skirmishers. An engagement took place, 
in which the regiment took a prominent part, and lost many men. 
For services on this occasion, it was specially complimented by 
Gen. Hooker ; and Col. Cowdin was appointed a brigadier- 
general by the President for his gallantry in the engagement. 
On the 6th, the enemy evacuated Williamsburg: the regiment 
was detailed for provost-duty until the 15th, when it resumed 
the march ; a troop of cavalry having been ordered to relieve 
it. On the 24th, it crossed the Chickahominy at Bottoms Bridge 
close upon the heels of the enemy, and on the 25th encamped 
on Poplar Hill. Heat, exposure, and want of rest, now began 
to tell upon the health of the troops. In the First, out of a 
thousand and fifty men who had left Boston one year before, 
not more than six hundred were fit for duty. On the 4th of June, 
they moved to Fair Oaks, where the battle had been fought a few 
days previous. During their stay here, they were on picket-duty 
at the extreme front every third day. On the 25th, an attempt to 
advance our picket-lines brought on a general engagement ; the 



IN THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN. 151 

First driving the enemy's skirmishers through the woods for a 
long distance, and holding the new line several hours before being 
relieved. In this engagement the regiment lost heavily, — six 
officers and fifty-five enlisted men. On the 29th, the movement 
towards the James commenced : the First moved to the front, and 
relieved the skirmishers of the Jersey brigade. When the entire 
line had fallen back and taken another position, this regiment 
followed, being the last one to leave the bloody and desolate 
field of Fair Oaks. At Savage Station, the regiment supported 
Battery K, United-States artillery. On the 30th June, the battle 
of Glendale was fought, during which the regiment charged the 
enemy at the point of the bayonet, turning the head of their 
column. In this engagement the regiment again suffered severely, 
losing sixty-three men. Major Chandler and Lieut. Sutherland 
were killed. On the morning of July 1, it marched again, and 
took part in the battle of Malvern Hill ; the next day, through a 
pelting storm, it reached Harrison's Landing, where the army 
encamped. 

From this time until the army commenced its retrograde move- 
ment, nothing of note affecting the regiment occurred which can 
be recorded here. This movement began Aug. 15 ; and Aug. 26, 
the command of the army having been transferred to Gen. Pope, 
the regiment was again at Warrenton Junction, and on the 27th 
was in pursuit of Jackson's forces, who had, on the previous even- 
ing, made a raid on the railroad at Catlett's Station. They came 
up with the enemy about half-past one o'clock, p.m., at Kettle run. 
A brisk engagement ensued, lasting until dark, when the enemy 
retreated to Manassas Junction. Next day they continued their 
march down the railroad, passing Manassas Junction to the south 
side of Bull Run, near Blackburn's Ford, where they encamped 
for the night. Next morning, the regiment crossed the run,* 
moved forward to the battle-ground of 1861, and became engaged 
with the enemy in what is known as the second battle of Bull Run. 
The loss in this engagement was severe ; they having been detailed 
by Gen. Siegel as skirmishers. After holding the enemy in check 
several hours, the brigade was brouglit up, and charged into the 
woods, driving the rebels before them, until, meeting an over- 
whelming force, it was compelled to fall back ; the First losing in 
killed and wounded more than one-third of the command. The^ 
regiment was under fire nearly all of the next day, and that night 
fell back to Centreville. Sept. 1, Col. Cowdin being in command 
of the brigade, and Lieut-Col. Baldwin in command of the regi- 



152 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ment, they started in the midst of a heavy storm towards Fairfax 
Court House. At Chantilly a skirmish took place, in which the 
regiment, supporting a battery, was under a heavy fire, and re- 
mained in line of battle until three, a.m., of the 2d, when it 
resumed the march to Fairfax Station ; the next day reaching 
Fort Lyon. 

Gen. Pope having been relieved of his command, and Gen. 
McCIellan re-instated, Gen. Hooker was assigned a corps. By the 
express wish of the latter, his old division w^as allowed to remain 
within the defences of Washington for a few weeks to rest, and to 
be refitted for the field : this accounts for the First Massachusetts 
not having been at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam in 
Maryland. Sept. 26, Col. Cowdin having been appointed brigadier- 
general, and assigned to command the second brigade, Abercrom- 
bie's division, the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieut- 
Col. Baldwin. On account of the frequent and successful raids of the 
rebel cavalry under Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, it was thought advisable 
to establish well-guarded outposts on all the roads leading to the 
Federal capital. The First Regiment, with a battery of artillery, 
was ordered to garrison Munson's Hill, a commanding eminence 
within six miles of Washington ; but, as the utmost vigilance could 
discover nothing in that vicinity indicating an intended approach 
of the enemy on Washington, this with other outposts was aban- 
doned, and the troops ordered to join in the advance on Richmond 
by the way of Falmouth and Fredericksburg. Gen. Carr now 
commanded the brigade, and Gen. Sickles the division, at Centre- 
ville. The First Regiment was detached from the brigade, and 
ordered back to Fairfax Court House to do provost-duty. The 
duties here were light, and without any particularly exciting inci- 
dents. The regiment remained here until the 25tli of November, 
when it was ordered to rejoin its brigade on the Rappahannock in 
front of Fredericksburg. On the 11th of December, with the rest 
of the army, the First took position and remained on the heights 
opposite Fredericksburg during the bombardment of the 11th and 
12th. On the 13th, it crossed, and took part in the battle of that 
and the two succeeding days ; recrossing when the army fell back 
on the morning of the IGth, and reaching its old camp in the 
afternoon. After the evacuation of Fredericksburg, the regiment, 
under command of Lieut.-Col. Baldwin, returned to its old quar- 
ters between the Acquia-Creek Railroad and the Rappanhannock 
River ; and here Col. McLaughlin took command of it on the 19th 
of December. 



Tin: FIRST AT FREDERICKSBURG. 153 

111 the latter part of January, 1863, another advance upon 
Fredericksburg was ordered by Gen. Burnside; but the execution 
of the order was found impracticable on account of the inclem- 
ency of the weather and the impassable condition of the roads. 

At his own request, Gen. Burnside was now relieved of the 
command of the army, and Gen. Hooker appointed to succeed 
him. A thorough inspection of the army was ordered by Gen. 
Hooker. Of over one hundred and fifty regiments, but eleven 
were considered worthy of special commendation. One of these 
eleven was the First Massachusetts. 

April 27, the army received orders to be in readiness to march 
at any moment. May 1, the regiment was detailed as rear-guard ; 
crossed the United-States Ford, and halted a few minutes ; again 
formed line, and joined the brigade, which had halted two miles 
nearer the Chancellorsville House. Heavy firing being heard in 
front, the brigade advanced at double-quick down the Chancellor- 
ville plank-road to check tlie advance of the enemy, who had 
attacked and driven the Eleventh corps. The First Massachusetts 
was ordered to a position to tlic right of this road, and to hold it 
at all hazards. Here the men soon improvised quite a good 
shelter for themselves, which they held until the next morning 
against two fierce assaults. Holding the same line of works was 
a Maryland regiment upon the left of the road. The rebels ad- 
vancing with a bolder front than usual, this regiment gave way, 
and fled to the rear. The regiment upon the right flank then 
also yielded. Both flanks behig thus open to attack, the First was 
obliged to fall back, — about a quarter of a mile, — and again 
formed ti line of battle in the road leading from the ford to the 
Chancellorsville House. 

May 5, about noon, preparations were made by Gen. Hooker to 
abandon liis position, and fall back across the river. At half-past six, 
P.M., the First received orders to report to Capt. Randolph, chief of 
artillery, Third Corps. The regiment then moved out of the 
woods, proceeded towards the river, and arrived at the ford at 
midnight; crossed at two, a.m. On the 6th, it rejoined the bri- 
gade, and moved to its old camping-ground at tlie Fitz-Hugh 
House, near Falmouth. It was while the regiment was occupying 
its advanced position on the plank-road that Stonewall Jackson 
was mortally wounded. The circumstances, as related by Col. 
McLaughlin, are as follow: — 

During the early part of the night, a rebel came down the plank-road, 
driving a pair of mules. He was halted, and asked where he was going ; 
20 



154 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

when he replied, that he had been ordered by Capt. Stewart (C.S.A.) to 
go and get a caisson the Yanks had left alongside the road. He was immedi- 
ately arrested, and sent to the rear. 

At half-past eight o'clock, p.m., a cavalcade of a dozen or more horsemen 
drove down the plank-road ; when my men immediately opened lire upon 
them : they turned about, and rode furiously back up the road. From the 
official report of the rebel Gen. Lee, I am led to believe that Gen. Stone- 
wall Jackson formed one of the cavalcade, and that he was killed by my 
men. 

Until the first week in June, the hostile armies confronted 
each other; Gen. Hooker's at Falmouth, Gen. Lee's at Freder- 
icksburg. The movements of the enemy induced the belief that 
he was designing an invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania. 
By a cavalry reconnoissance at Beverly Ford, papers disclosing this 
intention were obtained, and sent to the authorities at Washing- 
ton. In furtherance of this design, a combined attack upon the 
defences at Winchester was made by Gens. Ewell, Early, and 
Johnson. Gen. Milroy, overpowered by numbers, abandoned his 
defences ; and the way into Maryland was thus opened. 

The Army of the Potomac was strengthened as much as possi- 
ble, and put in rapid motion on the right of Gen. Lee's columns, 
to act on the offensive to cover Washington, on the aggressive 
to drive the enemy from Maryland. 

The weather was oppressive, the water scarce, and the daily 
marches of the troops unusually long. The narrative of fatigue 
and suffering in this campaign is common to all the regiments of 
the army. 

On the 22d of June, Gen. Hooker's forces held the line of the 
Potomac from Leesburg up. On the 27th, the army was in the 
vicinity of Frederick, Md. ; and one column of the enemy had ad- 
vanced as far as York, Penn. Gen. Hooker was now superseded 
in the command of the army by Gen. G, G. Meade. 

From Frederick, the Third Corps, to which the First Regiment 
belonged, proceeded to Taneytown, where it was joined by Gen. 
Sickles. The second division of the corps arrived at Emmetsburg, 
on the Pennsylvania line, JuV 1. On approaching Gettysburg, 
after dark, a mistake was made in the road, the advance guard 
coming upon the enemy's pickets. They quietly retraced their 
steps, came upon the right road, and rejoined the remainder of the 
corps at two, a.m., July 2. 

At daylight, the men were formed in line of battle. At eleven, 
A.M., the First Regiment was ordered forward, and deployed as 



THE FIRST IJSr NEW YORK. 155 

skirmishers in front of the brigade. The enemy advancing in 
force, it fell back according to instructions, and took position 
in the brigade line. The engagement soon became general; 
and, in the bloody conflicts of this and the succeeding day, the 
Tliird Corps acted an important, conspicuous part. Its losses in 
officers and men were very severe. In the First Regiment, Col. 
Baldwin and Adjutant Mudge were disabled. The entire loss of 
the regiment was one hundred and twenty-three. 

On the 0th of July, the First joined with the rest of the corps 
in the pursuit of the disappointed and discomfited forces of 
Gen. Lee. Few incidents of special interest to the regiment are 
to be noted in this pursuit until July 23, when the enemy pre- 
pared to resist our advance at Manassas Gap. The First Regi- 
ment was sent forward to support the picket-line. Skirmishing 
commenced at three, p.m. The enemy were driven from the gap, 
and the regiment bivouacked on Wapping Heights that night. 

July 30, orders were received for regiments to prepare to pro- 
ceed to New York, as resistance was threatened in that city 
to officers of Government in enforcing the draft. The men 
obeyed with alacrity ; passed through Washhigton at seven, p.m., 
the same evening ; and arrived at Governor's Island, New-York 
Harbor, Aug. 2. The regiment was rejoined by Col. McLaughlin, 
who had for some weeks been absent on sick leave. Aug. 15, 
it was ordered to report to Brig.-Gen. Jackson, commanding Draft 
Rendezvous at Riker's Island. 

Companies A, B, and G, under command of Lieut.-Col. Bald- 
win, were detached, and ordered to David's Island, to guard rebel 
and wounded prisoners. These companies were relieved from 
this duty Oct. 15, and the regiment ordered to report to Gen. 
Halleck at Washington. Arriving there the 17th, they went 
thence to Union Mills, Va., and reported to Gen. French, com- 
manding Third Army Corps, and were by him assigned to their 
old position, first brigade, second division. Third Corps. 

From this time gradual advances were made, until their old 
camping-ground between the Rapidan and Rappahannock was 
again reached. 

Nov. 7, the Third and Sixth Corps captured the enemy's re- 
doubts at Kelley's Ford, which caused him to evacuate all his 
works on the Rappahannock, and retreat to the south side of 
the Rapidan. 

Nov. 27, the Third Corps fought the battle of Locust Grove, cap- 
turing several hundred prisoners, and forcing back the enemy's 



156 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

lines. In this fight, great praise is accorded to Capt. Stone of 
Company D for the skill, courage, and address shown by him 
throughout in the performance of important duty. Dec. 3, the 
regiment reached the old camping-ground at Brandy Station, and 
the men began at once to prepare for winter-quarters. 

March 23, the Third Corps was broken up. The first and sec- 
ond divisions were assigned to the Second Corps, and tlie first 
and third brigades were consolidated. Nothing of interest trans- 
pired until April 14, when the second division was reviewed by 
Major-Gen. Hancock, accompanied by Major-Gen. Meade. At 
this review, the First Regiment was highly complimented for 
soldierly bearing. 

May 4, crossed the river at Ely's Ford, and continued its 
march to tlie battle-field of Chancellorsville ; the First Regiment 
occupying ground very near to that whereon tliey had fought the 
year before. Since tliat battle, this field had been in possession 
of the rebels, and on all sides were the evidences of most inexcu- 
sable neglect. Scattered about were seen whole skeletons, skulls, 
arms, and thigh-bones, lying where the men had fallen in battle. 
One member of the First, whose skull lay bleaching on the ground, 
was identified by some peculiarity of the teeth. All the bones were 
carefully gathered and interred, and the regiment moved on. 

Early on the morning of the 6th, the Second Corps advanced 
five miles on the Spottsylvania Road, when it encountered the 
.pickets of the enemy. A communication was at once opened 
with the Fifth and Sixth Corps, which had crossed the river above. 
A line of battle was formed, and breastworks thrown up. The 
lines were advanced about five hundred yards ; but, for some 
unknown reason, the second division broke, and fell back in 
confusion to its breastworks. Lieut. -Col. Baldwin, having been 
detailed as officer of the pickets, was captured early on the morn- 
ing of the 6th. 

The series of conflicts wliich followed for several successive 
days, and ended only with driving the enemy within the de- 
fences of Richmond, show this campaign to be without a parallel 
in the history of modern warfare. In all these battles, the Second 
Corps, under the indomitable Hancock, played a prominent part. 

From the first battle in the Wilderness, up to the 20th of May, 
when the regiment's term of service was about to expire, the men 
were constantly under arms. The history of their toils and suf- 
ferings, their losses and their victories, is a part of the history of 
this wonderful campaign, and cannot be brought within the brief 



THE WELCOME HOME. 157 

space allotted for this sketch. As the division was preparing to 
march on Guinness Station, the First Regiment received orders 
to report to the superintendent of recruiting service, Boston, 
Mass., to be mustered out of service ; the term of its enlist- 
ment having nearly expired. The men whose terra of service 
had not expired were ordered to be transferred to the Eleventh 
Massachusetts Volunteers. The regiment then took up its line of 
march, homeward bound, by way of Fredericksburg ; resting a 
few hours at Washington, Philadelphia, and New York. From 
the latter city, it embarked on the steamer " Metropolis " for Bos- 
ton, where a magnificent reception awaited it. It was received 
by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, Roxbury Horse Guards, 
Roxbury Minute-men, Boston Fusileers, two companies from 
Chelsea, and the South-Boston Home Guard, all under the com- 
mand of Gen. Cowdin. The streets were crowded with people, 
all clieering and applauding. The men were marched to the State 
House, where they were received by his Excellency the Governor ; 
thence to Faneuil Hall, where a dinner had been provided by the 
city of Boston ; and the regiment was welcomed by his Honor 
Mayor Lincoln, who introduced his Excellency the Governor, who 
received them in behalf of the State, whose honor they had main- 
tained on so many bloody fields. The Governor said, " The Com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts, addressing not only the present offi- 
cers and men of the First Regiment, but Gen. Cowdin, and all 
those among the living who have participated in your trials, — 
the veterans in line, and the veterans who have been discharged 
before you, — gives her heartiest thanks. During all the years re- 
maining on earth, may the honest, substantial gratitude of patri- 
otic hearts make your paths happy ! Let thanks to God lie raised, 
and prayers, that, in his own good time, he will crown our arms 
with victory." Col. McLaughlin responded, expressing the thanks 
of the regiment for its noble reception. 

The regiment was mustered out of service of the United States 
on Saturday, May 28, at eleven, a.m. 

So ends the history of the First Massachusetts Regiment, with- 
out a spot or blemisli. It upheld the honor of the old Bay State, 
and its history will be revered for generations to come. 

THE SECOND REGIMExN'T. 

On the day when news of the attack upon Fort Sumter came 
to Boston, George H. Gordon, then a member of the Suffolk bar, 
an educated and experienced soldier, was in consultation with 



158 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

several loyal gentlemen about raising a regiment. On the Mon- 
day following, April 15, 18(31, he was summoned to the State 
House to take part in the counsels made necessary by the Presi- 
dent's call for militia, made that morning. His advice had been 
sought, and largely followed, in those earlier plans which had en- 
abled the Governor to send the first troops to this defence of the 
national capital. On that day, he received a promise from the 
Governor that he should command the first regiment to be raised 
for the war. Consultations were immediately had, and various 
persons were associated in the enterprise. 

On the Thursday following the surrender of Sumter, Wilder 
Dwight, a member of the Suffolk bar, entered the office of Major 
Gordon, and said abruptly, "Will you raise a regiment?" 
Major Gordon replied, " I am already committed to that. I have 
spoken to the Governor upon the subject, and he has promised 
me the command of the first regiment which leaves the State 
for the war." Major Gordon (till a short time before the commander 
of the New-England Guards battalion, of which Dwight was a 
member) then explained what had been done. At the interview 
now mentioned, the difficulties in the way of rait>ing a regi- 
ment on principles deemed essential were discussed, which were 
mainly in the fact that there was, as yet, no authority to raise 
troops for the war ; and, for the brief period of service allowed, 
only militia regiments could be received, with officers chosen 
by the enlisted men, which Major Gordon deemed incompatible 
with discipline in active service. It was determined, however, 
to raise a regimental fund ; and, in an hour, five thousand dol- 
lafs were secured by Dwight, soon increased to nearly thirty 
thousand, to raise a regiment to be commanded by George H. 
Gordon. 

George L. Andrews was soon associated with the two ; and these, 
with Greeley S. Curtis, James Savage, Charles R. Mudge, R. 
Morris Copeland, Henry L. Higginson, Samuel M. Quincy, Adin 
B. Underwood, and others, began their preparations. 

Major Gordon, the colonel, after graduating at West Point in 
1846, had fought under Gen. Scott in every battle from Vera 
Cruz to the city of Mexico ; had been subsequently severely 
wounded ; was breveted "for gallant and meritorious conduct; " 
and, after nine years of service, had returned to civil life. 

George L. Andrews had graduated at West Point in 1861, — 
liighest in his class ; had been employed as engineer on the coast 
fortifications ; and had been acting assistant professor of civil 



THE SECOND REGIMENT IN CAMP. 159 

and military engineering and the science of war at the Mili- 
tary School. 

Wilder Dwight, a graduate of Harvard in 1853, had travelled 
abroad, studied in the offices of Caleb Gushing and Samuel Hoar, 
and had already taken very high rank in his profession. 

A few days after the interview, placards were posted, announ- 
cing the raising of a regiment ; and recruiting-offices were opened. 
On the 2oth of April, Andrews and Dwight left for Washington 
to obtain a promise of the reception of the regiment ; and with 
considerable difficulty, on account of the Secretary's alleged want 
of authority to accept troops for the war, obtained permission, and 
immediately telegraphed it to Boston. This was the first au- 
thority to raise a regiment for three years; and. the work was 
immediately pushed vigorously forward. 

Camp was established at Brook Farm, West Roxbury, May 11, 
1861, and named, in honor of the Governor, Camp Andrew ; but 
three entire companies, and parts of others, had been raised before 
the end of April. The minimum was speedily reached ; the de- 
tachments being mustered in by Capt. (afterwards Gen.) Amory. 
The necessary number had been mustered in about the middle of 
May; but all were remustered as an entire body a few days 
later, and Col. Gordon was mustered as colonel by Capt. Amory 
prior to any other colonel of a Massachusetts three-years' regi- 
ment. His commission, however, was made to date a little later 
than that of the commander of the First. The regimental date 
of muster was finally settled to be May 24 ; that of the First Regi- 
ment being, according to the Adjutant-General's Report, June 15. 
The regiment now remained in camp until the eighth day of 
July, waiting for orders, and subjected to severe, steady drill 
and discipline. Its equipment was perfect ; and no volunteer regi- 
ment could surpass the training it received under accomplished 
and educated officers. Its flags were presented by ladies, friends 
of the regiment ; addresses being made on the several occasions 
by George S. Hillard and T. Lothrop Motley. Of the regimental 
fund, thirty - five per cent was eventually returned to the sub- 
scribers, or, with their consent, transferred to the Twenty-fourth. 
On leaving, the roster was as follows : Colonel, George H. Gor- 
don ; Lieutenant -Colonel, George L. Andrews ; Major, Wilder 
Dwiglit ; Adjutant, Charles Wheaton, jun. ; Quartermaster, R. 
Morris Copeland ; Surgeon, Lucius M. Sargent, jun. ; Assistant 
Surgeon, Lincoln R. Stone ; Chaplain, Aloazo H. Quint ; Captains, 
Francis H. Tucker, Greeley S. Curtis, James Savage, jun., Edward 



160 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION: 

G. Abbott, Samuel M. Quiiicy, Richard Gary, William Cogswell, 
Adiii B. Underwood, Richard 0. Goodwin, Charles R. Mudge ; 
First Lieutenants, William B. Williams, Henry S. Russell, Marcus 
M. Ilawes, George P. Bangs, William D. Sedgwick, Charles F. 
Morse, Thomas L. Motley, Edwin R, Hill, Robert G. Shaw, jun., 
Henry L, Higginson ; Second Lieutenants, Ochran H. Howard, 
James Francis, Thomas R. Robeson, Charles P. Horton, Rufus 
Choate, James M. Ellis, Robert B. Brown, Anson D. Sawyer, 
Fletcher M. Abbott, Stephen G. Perkins. All of the officers had 
been selected by Col. Gordon, and the line-officers had raised their 
own companies by enlistments. Of these officers, promotions 
raised three to the rank of brevet major-general, two to brevet 
brigadier-general, three others to that of colonel, seven to that 
of lieutenant-colonel, three to that of major, nine to that of cap- 
tain. Fourteen of them are dead. 

On the 8th of July, the regiment left camp, and, after an en- 
thusiastic reception in Boston the same afternoon, started for 
Martinsburg, Va., to join Gen. Patterson. It went by way of New 
York (where a grand welcome awaited it), Elizabethport, N.J., 
Harrisburg, Reading, and Hagerstown, Md. ; crossed the Potomac 
on the 12th, and the same day became a part of Gen. Patterson's 
command. 

In that short and unsatisfactory campaign, it was, at first, the 
only three-years' regiment. It did wliat it had to do in moving to 
Banker Hill, then to Charlestown, and, on the 18th, to Harper's 
Ferry, to which place it was then sent alone, and where Col. Gor- 
don was made and continued post-commandant. The whole force 
moved there in a few days ; most of it was mustered out ; other 
regiments came. Gen. Banks's late command had abandoned the 
Virginia side, except that three companies of the Second, under 
Lieut.-Col. Andrews, were left in the armory buildings, with 
some cavalry out beyond. The Second was stationed, without 
tents or wagons, up Maryland Heights, with a battery overlooking 
the river ; the only force in front of the hills. Nothing very 
active, beyond a brisk skirmish, took place Avhile here. 

In the fall. Gen. Banks's force lined the Maryland side of the 
Potomac. The Second left Maryland Heights Aug. 17 ; was at 
Hyattstown a week, and at Darnestown and Seneca Creek until the 
4th of December, excepting a march to the spot opposite Ball's 
Bluff, where it was suddenly ordered, in the night following that 
disaster, to picket the river, and cover the return of the wounded. 

During the winter of 1861-62, it was in camp four miles east 



TEE SECOND IN VIRGINIA. 161 

of Frederick City, steadily busy with drill, and officers' recita- 
tions. 

On the opening of the spring campaign, it left camp, Feb. 27, 
1862 ; crossed the Potomac at Harper's Ferry ; and was the ad- 
vance (with a small force, cavalry), under Col. Gordon, in driving 
the enemy from and occupying Charlestown. From Winchester 
the enemy was eventually dislodged, without a battle. From that 
place, the Second was ordered to Eastern Virginia, and moved 
March 22 : but the breaking of a pontoon-bridge broke the 
division at Snicker's Ferry ; and the battle of Winchester, heard 
Avhile waiting, recalled the regiment. In the pursuit of Jack- 
son, commenced on the 25th, the Second was in advance. On the 
1st of April, it had a series of sharp skirmishes with Jackson's 
rear-guard at different times in the march of thirteen miles, and, 
in each case, steadily pushed the enemy. On this day was the 
first man wounded. The pursuit of Jackson carried the regiment 
as far as Maguaghey Town, south of Harrisonburg, a little more 
than a hundred miles beyond the Potomac. Peremptory orders 
from the War Department here sent the whole force back to 
Strasburg to girrisoii that pDint. 

Jackson, being strongly re-enforced, returned. Banks was 
weakened one-half by the sudden removal of Shields's division. 
He repeatedly remonstrated with the department, and alleged 
his danger, but with no satisfaction. When, on the 23d of May, 
Jackson fell upon Col. Kinly at Front Royal, a few miles east- 
ward, Banks's only course was to make a rapid retreat, in hope 
to save his command and trains, to the Potomac River. How the 
Second was sent back on the road to save the trains ; succeeded in 
part, and thenceforward covered the rear under Col. Gordon's eye 
(then commanding brigade) ; met the repeated attacks of the 
enemy, and repulsed them ; and, past midnight, was the last of the 
force in front of Whichester, — is matter of history. It is in refer- 
ence to one of these affairs that the rebel Eston Cooke says, " The 
enemy [the national troops] turned savagely upon Jackson ; " and 
in reference to a stand by three companies of tiie second (I, Capt. 
Underwood; B, Capt. W^illiams ; C, Capt. Cogswell), " A sudden 
fire on their right, left, and front, at th.e same moment, revealed 
an ambuscade of importance," which required " tliree regiments 
of the Stonewall Brigade " to meet. 

After a few hours' rest in front of Winchester, the enemy at 
daylight appeared, and battle opened. Col. Gordon's brigade 
was on the right, and sustained a severe fight. Two companies 

21 



162 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

of the second (D, Capt. Savage; andG, Capt. Gary) were thrown 
forward as sku-niishers, and took position behind a stone wall, 
where, says Eston Cooke, " they opened a galling and destructive 
fire," so much so as to silence several of tiie enemy's guns ; and 
although other guns opened on tliem with " solid shot," " in spite 
of missiles and crashing stones around them," says Cooke, they 
" still gallantly held their position." 

For over three hours, the attack was met against overwhelm- 
ing odds. The enemy at last moving a heavy fire around our 
right, retreat was ordered. Passing through Winchester, the rear 
of one of the columns under heavy fire, and continuing as rear- 
guard to the Potomac, the regiment had, in thirty-three hours, 
marched fifty-six miles, most of it as rear-guard ; met the enemy 
three times, and fought in a pitched battle besides. Its conduct 
on that hard day evinces the skill of its officers, the bravery of its 
men, and the results of severe training. It met the fullest expecta- 
tions of its State. Col. Gordon was eventually made brigadier for 
his services in this retreat, and Lieut.-Col. x\.ndrews became colo- 
nel. The losses were, seven killed, and nine wounded mortally, 
two officers and forty-five enlisted men wounded not mortally, 
and ninety-four (including seventeen wounded) prisoners. 

On the 10th of June, the regiment recrossed into Virginia, and, 
with a few days' rest at Front Royal and at Little Washington, was 
daily on the road, in Pope's campaign, to the battle of Cedar Moun- 
tain, on the 9th of August. Being, as a part of Gen. Banks's 
whole force, near Culpeper that morning, it was ordered forward 
about six miles to support Crawford, against whom the enemy, 
who had crossed the Rapidan, were appearing in force. When 
position was taken, the Second was on the right. The battle open- 
ing, Gen. Banks swung forward his left. The Second was soon 
ordered to move to Crawford's position, and did so. A tre- 
mendous fire opened, and was replied to. Great loss was expe- 
rienced and inflicted ; but the ground was firmly held until the 
enemy moved three brigades upon the front and flank of the 
brigade of ten and a half regiments. The Second stopped the line 
advancing in front, and stood until the force on its right was 
completely scattered by the flank attack. It fell back, in obedi- 
ence to orders, to its first position. In that battle, the rebel re- 
ports give the names of ten brigades : we had five. The battle 
had been terrible. Of twenty-two commissioned officers, six came 
out luihurt. It had five officers killed, and one mortally wounded, 
seven wounded, and three prisoners ; of enlisted men, thirty-six 



AT ANTIETAM. 163 

killed and thirteen mortally wounded, ninety-one wounded, and 
fifteen prisoners. The total loss was thirty-five per cent of all 
engaged. That night, however, the regiment was placed at the 
extreme front, in the centre of the new line. On that sad day for 
Massachusetts, among its losses were numbered Savage, Abbott, 
Gary, Williams, Goodwin, and Perkins. 

When Pope retreated to the Rappahannock, the corps was sta- 
tioned at Rappahannock Crossing. Thence the Second moA-ed up 
or down the river every day, always in sound of, and often under, 
fire. It was not brought into action at the second battle of Ma- 
nassas, though in sound of every shot, being in the division 
charged with the removal of the immense stores on the road. 
This duty was performed ; and, by a detour and forced march, the 
division reached Centreville, and soon Alexandria. 

In the campaign under McClellan, it moved into Maryland, and 
eventually to Antietam. In that action it bravely did its part 
in Mansfield's corps, following up the success of Hooker on the 
right. The regiment was actively and successfully engaged. It 
lost one officer killed (Licut.-Col. D wight), and three wounded ; 
eleven enlisted men killed, and six mortally wounded ; and 
fifty others wounded, — in all, twenty-five per cent of those en- 
gaged. 

In the a1)sence of movements which followed, the Second was 
placed at Maryland Heights. Subsequently, while the army 
moved southward, the corps (Twelfth) under General Slocum 
guarded the Upper Potomac (the Second being near Sharpsburg) 
until the 12th of December. Here a detachment under Capt. 
Cogswell crossed the river, and skilfully broke up a guerilla-band, 
killing its leader. On the 12th of December, the whole force was 
moved by steady marches to near Fairfax, Va., where it formed 
part of the reserve grand division under Sigel. While here, it 
had active work to do by reason of guerilla and other raids. On 
the 19th of January, 1863, the division started for Stafford Court 
House ; and it remained there until Hooker's movement to Chan- 
cellorsville. While here, it was one of the eleven regiments, 
found, by careful inspection of the whole army, to merit the 
highest commendation for superiority in every department of 
soldierly excellence. Col. Andrews had been appointed brigadier 
in the autumn, and Major Quincy became colonel. 

The movement to Chancellorsville commenced on April 27. 
The corps, with two others, moved to Kelley's Ford ; then to Ger- 
mania Ford, on the Rapidan, when the Second, with the Third 



164 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Wisconsin, being in advance, surprised and captured the entire 
force of the rebels at that place. 

On the 2d of May, when Jackson was moving to our right, 
the division was sent out a mile and a half to attack his 
wagon-train. It had hardly reached it when it was ordered back. 
Jackson had rolled up the Eleventh Corps. The Twelfth was 
formed across its old line, and, with Best's splendid artillery, held 
the position, and stopped the enemy. Night ended the conflict ; 
but, in the morning, it was resumed. The Second, for the first 
time, fired away all its ammunition, including that of its 
wounded, and took more from the dead rebels. It broke three 
lines of the enemy, and waited for ammunition. That was not 
furnished ; but, after long delay, the regiment was relieved. That 
night, it was placed on the extreme left of the whole line ; and 
afterwards, in Hooker's retreat, returned to its old ground at 
Stafford Court House. In this affair it iiad one officer killed, and 
four wounded ; twenty-two enlisted men killed, and eight mortally 
wounded ; and eighty-six wounded and eight prisoners, — in all, 
thirty-three per cent of its force. After its return. Col. Quincy 
resigned, on account of his severe wound at Cedar Mountain ; and 
Lieut.-Col. Cogswell became colonel. Col. Quincy received the 
lieutenant-colonelcy of a regiment of colored troops, with a staff- 
appointment, and eventually became brevetted brigadier. 

In the movement across Beverly Ford in June, when cavalry, 
with a few picked infantry regiments, were selected, the Second 
took part. The enemy was surprised, and driven back a mile. 
The Second took a good number of prisoners, with a loss of one 
enlisted man mortally wounded, two wounded, and two prisoners. 
The object being accomplished, the force recrossed the river. 

But it was to go to Gettysburg. It crossed the Potomac at 
Leesburg, and, passing tlu'ough Frederick, was near Gettysburg 
on the 1st of July. 

On the morning of the 2d, after some skirmishing, another 
change was made, and breastworks of logs were thrown up on the 
bank of a deep stream in the woods. When, in the afternoon, 
heavy firing commenced on the left, the regiment, with the 
division, was ordered to leave the works, and go to the assistance 
of that wing. Arriving there, the command was exposed to 
artillery fire, but took its new position with the loss of only one 
man wounded. Scarcely was the movement completed, when the 
enemy being repulsed, and it growing dark, the division was 
ordered back to its lou'-defences again. 



AT GETTYSBURG. 165 

Arriving near them, circumstances led Licut.-Col. Mudgc 
to fear that the enemy had occupied the ground ; and Com- 
pany F was sent in as skirmishers to ascertain the state of 
the case. Meanwhile tiie regiment was promptly placed in line 
of battle, at right angles to its old line, in the edge of the woods, 
on the opposite side of the meadow from where the enemy might 
be expected. The night was dark, with an occasional gleam of 
moonlight; and, with the exception of occasional dropping shots 
from distant skirmishers, all was still as death. 

The skirmishers soon reported a rebel line of battle at about 
four hundred yards' distance, in the woods, which had not only 
got into our works, but had formed their line directly across 
them ; and several prisoners were brought, in who confirmed 
this statement. Lieut. - Col. Mudge, not fully satisfied that 
such could be the case, withdrew the first company, and sent in 
another, with orders to go forward till it met the enemy : 
this was at once done. Tlie company advanced to within ten 
feet of the enemy's line, captured twenty prisoners, received a 
volley of musketry, and returned to the edge of the wood, with 
a loss of only two men wounded, and two taken prisoners. 

It having been thus ascertained beyond doubt that the enemy 
was in position and in force, the new line was protected by 
rails and logs as far as possible, skirmishers were pushed well 
forward, and daylight was anxiously waited. The time was 
improved by posting two batteries of " Parrott " and " Napoleon " 
guns to command the wood ; and at daylight they opened a rapid 
fire, which was kept up for over an hour : but, although severe, it 
failed to dislodge the enemy, who still held his position, favored 
by the nature of the ground, which was steep and rocky, and cov- 
ered with dense woods. 

The batteries had ceased firing, and by this time the action had 
been renewed in other parts of the field. The fire of the sharp- 
shooters posted in trees on the other side of the meadow was very 
close and annoying. 

At al)out seven o'clock, orders were given to the Second Regi- 
ment and one other to advance across the open meadow, and 
take the position of the enemy. It seemed certain destruction ; 
but such were orders : and Lieut.-Col. Mudge gave the com- 
mand, — " Rise up, over the breastworks, forward, double- 
quick ! " With a cheer, with bayonets unfixed, without firing a 
shot, the line advanced as rapidly as the swampy ground would 
allow. Col. Mudge fell dead in the middle of the open field, as 



166 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

on foot, sword in hand, he was cheenng on the men. Three 
color-bearers were shot in going two hundred yards : but the 
colors kept on, — into the enemy's line, over the breastwork ; and 
the regiment held the old line. But from behind every tree 
and rock the rebel fire was poured in. Another color-bearer was 
shot dead waving the colors. The regiment on the right fell 
back in disorder. Ten of the officers of the Second were killed or 
wounded, and a regiment of the enemy was flanking it. Major 
Morse gave the order to fall back just in time to prevent the 
remnant of the regiment from being surrounded. Slowly and 
sullenly it retired to the other side of the meadow, and, taking 
position behind a ruined stone wall, opened fire on the enemy 
wherever he showed himself. 

In that advance of about four hundred yards, and in about 
twenty minutes' time, the Second had lost, out of two hundred 
and ninety-four men and twenty-two officers, a hundred and 
thirty-four killed or wounded. Soon after this attack, the regi- 
ment went into its log-defences, and the men lay on their arms 
on the ground again. As soon as it had left the woods, the 
artillery opened again with good effect; and, at the same time, an 
attack was made by a part of the Second Division on the enemy's 
flank and rear ; and after seven hours of hard infantry-fighting, 
including the time the Second had been engaged, the rebels were 
driven from the works, and, at about three o'clock in the afternoon, 
the regiment held the ground already covered by its dead and 
wounded. The latter were at once cared for, and the former 
brought off, — some from under the fire of sharpshooters, and 
some under the cover of night. 

During the following night, it lay in the works, constantly 
wakened by skirmishing fire and volleys of musketry ; but, in 
the morning, the enemy had disappeared. Ordered on a recon- 
noissance outside the lines, the movements of the Second and 
other regiments only served to establish the fact of the rebel 
retreat. 

The losses were forty-four per cent. Lieut.-Col. Mudge, Robe- 
son, Fox, and Stone, were killed, or mortally wounded. But the 
regiment had behaved nobly. " I never saw a finer sight," said 
the general of division to the chaplain, " than when that regiment 
came out under that terrible fire, faced about, and formed as 
steady as on parade." 

The regiment was in the marches which took the corps to Kel- 
ley's Ford, on the Rappahannock. From that place it was sud- 



THE MARCU TO ATLANTA. 167 

denly taken, as one of the regiments selected for steadiness, to 
Alexandria, and then to New- York City in tlie time of the riots. 
It was there a fortnight, camping in City-hall Park ; and re- 
mained while the draft was enforced. Returning, it was sent to 
Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan, where it lay under the enemy's 
guns. 

On the 24th of September, the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps left 
the river. Ignorant at first, they soon found they were to go to 
the army of Rosecrans. It was immediately after the battle of 
Chickamauga. On the morning of Oct. 4, the Second found itself 
at Stevenson, Ala. ; but, on the same day, it was started back to 
repair the railway broken by the enemy behind it. Hard marches 
up and down followed, at last temporarily ceased by being placed 
to guard the important bridge at Elk River. 

While there, efforts were made to secure the services of the old 
regiments. A sufficient number of tlie Second re-enlisted, to 
secure its continuance. According to orders, the re-enlisting 
men were sent home for thirty days. The regiment, under Col. 
Cogswell, arrived in Boston on the 19th of January, 1864. The 
reception it met with was worthy of its flime, surpassed by no 
welcome to others. On the first day of March, it was again in 
Tennessee ; being stationed at Tullahoma. 

April 28, it commenced its march in the great campaign to 
Atlanta. The division was in front of the enemy at Buzzard's 
Roost, below Chattanooga ; moved tln-ough Snake-creek Gap with 
McPhcrson, and found itself at Resaca. It was in reserve in 
the fight of the afternoon of the 14th of May ; but, at night, the 
corps (now the Twentieth, under Hooker) was ordered to the re- 
lief of the Fourth Corps. In the morning, the Second was selected 
to go out on a reconiioissance ; found the position of the enemy, 
and returned, with two men wounded. The whole corps then 
advanced, and drove the enemy into his inner works ; and the 
brigade three times repulsed strong sallies. The loss of the 
regiment was one killed, and twenty-two wounded. That night, 
the enemy evacuated. Pursuit was commenced in the morning. 
On the 19th, the corps skirmished for five miles of advance; found 
the rebels in force at Cassville, and threw up breastworks under 
the enemy's guns. 

Here the officers and men not re-enlisting left for home, their 
full time having expired. 

On the 23d of May, the regiment left Cassville. Near Dallas^ 



168 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the regiment, with a section of battery, was specially detailed by 
Gen. Hooker to destroy a bridge just repassed by the corps, and 
thus prevent the enemy's crossing. The regiment was, by this 
service, kept from participating in the bloody battle of New Hope 
Church. It was sent a few days after to Kingston, as escort to 
one hundred and seventeen army wagons loaded with wounded 
men of its corps ; but rejoined the corps in front of Lost 
Mountain, June 8. On the 11th, by a movement to the left, it 
confronted Piney Mountain, and threw up a heavy line of defences 
under the enemy's batteries. In the succeeding movements, it 
was in various skirmishes, and was an inactive spectator of the 
attack on Kencsaw Mountain. It participated in the movements 
on Atlanta, and was in the second line at the bloody and decisive 
battle of Peach-tree Creek ; losing only one officer (First Lieu- 
tenant Lord) and one enlisted man in the skirmish line. 

In front of the enemy's inner line before Atlanta, to which he 
had been driven, the Second found itself on the 22d, and built 
breastworks close to the enemy. On the 30th, Lieut.-Col. Morse, 
field-officer of the day, at daybreak surprised and captured the 
enemy's pickets in their rifle-pits ; and the regiment was ordered 
forward. It immediately occupied the commanding hill thus 
gained, and hastily threw up breastworks. The position was 
within two hundred yards of one of the enemy's principal forts, 
and a close and hot fire of his artillery, infantry, and sharpshoot- 
ers. Several attempts were made by the enemy to retake the 
hill, but without success. For six hours, the regiment replied 
steadily and effectively to the rebel shots, firing two hundred 
rounds per man. It met with but little loss. 

When Atlanta fell, the Second was placed on duty there as 
provost-guard, with its colonel (Cogswell) in command of the 
post. Its losses subsequent to the battle of Resaca had been 
three officers wounded, three enlisted men killed, twenty-two 
wounded, and six prisoners. 

Lieut. -Col. Morse being made provost-marshal of the post, Capt. 
Brown was in command. After arduous duties, it was the last 
regiment to leave Atlanta in the great march to the sea. 

It was on the 16th of November, ten days after the army liad 
moved forward, that the Second left the city. Moving by way of 
Decatur, it joined the rear of the Fourteenth Corps, but readied 
its own corps, near Milledgeville, on the 22d. In the progress of 
the campaign, the Second had its share of skirmishes, destruction 
of bridges, railways, &c., and, of course, marching. On the 



THE SECOND AT AVERYSBOROUGH. 169 

morning of the 9th of December, it found itself about fifteen 
miles from Savannah, and halted near where the enemy had built 
a fort, and had planted a battery in the road. Proper disposition 
of troops led the enemy to retire. The next day, the re<>i- 
ment went into camp, in line of battle, four nules and a half from 
Savannah, and half a mile from the enemy's works; made a 
reconnoissance the next day (with tlie One Hundred and Seventh 
New- York), and found the situation of matters ; crossed to 
Argyle Island, in the Savannah, in flat-boats, on the loth ; and, 
on the IGth, were all day under fire from a rebel battery and a 
rebel gunboat. On the 19th, the brigade crossed to the South- 
Carolina shore, and, skirmishing with the enemy, drove him three 
miles ; threw up breastworks in the night, and remained, with 
more or less skirmishing, until the 21st, when Savannah had been 
evacuated ; and, on the next day, went into camp ten miles from 
Savannah. Here Col. Cogswell was brevetted brigadier-general, 
and assigned to the command of the third brigade, third division ; 
and Lieut. -Col. Morse took command of the Second. 

On the 17th of January, 18(J5, after very imperfect refit as to 
clothing, the regiment moved on the march northward. It 
encountered the difficulties of the swamps ; experienced much 
wet and cold weather, and some skirmishing. There is not space 
to give the details. The regiment reached Fayetteville on the 
11th of March, and passed in review before Gens. Sherman 
and Slocum. On the 15th, it moved forward again, and, in the 
evening, formed cavalry in position, went into line of battle, and 
the men lay on their arms. 

On the next morning, the brigade (the Second being on the 
left), supported by cavalry on its flanks, advanced on the enemy, 
drove back his skirmishers, who contested the ground stubbornly, 
and finally took position across the main road. The enemy, being 
in superior force, and with artillery, made repeated attempts to 
force back the line ; but, by great exertion and some loss, every 
attempt was nobly repulsed. The brigade, relieved by Gen. Cogs- 
well's, was transferred to the right, and again advanced, driv- 
ing the enemy a mile to the works he had thrown up, and hold- 
ing the position, with considerable loss. In this battle (Averys- 
borough) the regiment lost two officers killed (Capt. Grafton and 
Lieut. Storrow), one wounded (Lieut.-Col. Morse), five enlisted 
men killed, and seventeen wounded: number carried into action, 
a hundred and forty-one. 

"The Second and Thirty-third Massachusetts Regiments," 



170 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

says the staff-officer who wrote the " Story of the Great March," 
ill his account of this battle, " are the only representatives of the 
glorious Bay State in our army. A nobler record of heroic deeds 
may never be found than is the history of the Second." 

The enemy being defeated, advance was resumed. On the 24th, 
the regiment reached Goldsborough, and camped near the Weldon 
Railway. The great march through the Carolinas was ended. 

On the 10th of April, the regiment, temporarily consolidated 
into ten companies under Capt. Phalen, moved towards Raleigh; 
on the 20th, received news of the suspension of hostilities. On 
the 29tli, the surrender of Johnston was announced to the troops ; 
and, on the 30th, commenced the march to the capital. 

After being in camp at Alexandria a few days, the regiment 
took part in the grand review of Sherman's army on the 24th 
of May. It then went into camp at Bladensburg. On the 9th of 
June, the old brigade, division, and corp organizations, being- 
broken up, it parted with its gallant companions. With other 
Eastern veteran regiments, it formed a part of Gen. Bartlett's 
division. On the 14th, it began provost-duty, as part of the gar- 
rison of Washington, and went into camp at Capitol Hill. 

On the 14th of July, orders mustered the Second out of service. 
On the 15th, it started homeward. At New York, it paid its 
respects to its old general. Hooker, and was cordially received. 
The regiment reached Readville, Mass., where it remained until 
the 26th of July. On that day the men received their final dis- 
charge, and the Second Massachusetts left its name to history. 

This regiment furnished many subordinate officers to other 
regiments, or departments of service, besides eight majors, six 
lieutenant-colonels, four colonels, two brevet brigadier-generals, 
and three brigadiers who were bre vetted major-generals. Its whole 
number of officers from the beginning, of all grades, was eighty- 
eight. Of these, twelve were killed ; four died of wounds ; two 
died in service, of disease contracted in the line of duty, and one 
since ; twentj^-two wounded, not mortally ; twenty-seven received 
higher commissions in other branches or corps, of whom five 
were killed ; and, of the remainder, five left service from disease. 
Of the original thirty-seven officers who left Camp Andrew, four- 
teen are dead. The Adjutant-General's Report gives one thousand 
seven hundred and .one enlisted men : of these it reports one hun- 
dred and sixty-six as killed, or died of wounds; seventy-eight dead 
by disease ; thirteen died in Southern prisons. The nvimber 
wounded, not fully ascertained, was near five hundred. 



BRAVERY OF THE SECOND. 171 

This brief account, in which details are necessarily omitted, 
is a story of a regiment which never failed in its duty. Its char- 
acteristics were perfect instruction, thorough discipline, hardy 
endurance, and entire bravery. It was always a reliable regiment. 
" I want to spare it," said a corps commander; " but, when I come 
to a hard place, I have to put in the Second Massachusetts." The 
commanders of every grade, brigade, division, or corps, never ad- 
mitted the superiority of any regiment in the army to this ; and 
its position was, tacitly at least, admitted, wherever it served. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE NINE-MONTHS' REGIMENTS. 

TheDi-aft. — The Third Regiment volunteers. — In Camp. — In the Field. —The Fourth 
Regiment. — Organization. — Departure for the Front. — Its Services. — The Fifth 
Regiment. — Formation. — Preparations to march. — Active Duties. — The Sixth 
Regiment. — Its Organization and Services. — Return to Massachusetts. — The Eighth 
re-enlists.— In Camp Lander. — Embarked for Newbern, N.C. — Services in the Field. 
— Its Return Home. 

THE THIRD REGIMENT. 

WITH the return of autumn, 18G2, the President's order for 
a draft of nine-months' men was published. This brought 
into tlie field the first Massachusetts troops for that period of service. 
The pioneer march of the Third Regiment has already been 
narrated in the record of the three-months' troops. Upon its re- 
turn from Fortress Monroe, July, 1861, it was mustered out of 
service, and again took its place in the militia of the State. Tiie 
Third did not wait for drafting, but, when the emphatic call 
came, immediately volunteered, and went into Camp Joe Hooker, 
at Lakeville. The first company arrived Sept. 16 ; and, before 
the week expired, the tenth company was also there. The organ- 
ization was completed under the following officers : — 

Colonel Silas P. Eicbmoncl. 

Lieutenant- Colonel . . . James Barton. 

Major ..... John Morissey. 

Surgeon ..... Alfred A. Stocker. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . Woodbridge R. Howe. 

Chaplain ..... Charles A. Snow. 

Oct. 8, orders were received to start for Newbern, N.C, and 
report to Gen. Foster ; but the march was delayed, for the want 
of overcoats, until the 22d, when the steamers " Merrimac " and 
"Mississippi" sailed with the troops, in the quiet of evening, hon- 
ored with the signals of a proud and tender farewell. 

After a passage of four days, they debarked at Beaufort, N.C. ; 
were borne by the cars to Newbern, thirty-six miles distant, the 
same night, Oct. 26 ; and went into camp on the banks of the 
Neuse River, a mile from the city. 

172 



THE THIRD IN NORTH CAROLINA. 173 

The arms distributed on the 29th were poor " Austrian rifle 
muskets," and were received with marked dissatisfaction. 

Drilling, picketing, and short expeditions ; garrison duty by 
Company I at Plymouth and Elizabeth City, N.C. ; and a fight 
near the former place, in which two were killed, — make up the 
outline of regimental history till Dec. 11. 

On that day, the Third moved with the expedition to Golds- 
borough, which occupied eleven days, and included a march 
of one hundred and fifty miles. The Third was in the fights of 
Kinston, Whitehall, and Goldsborough, and displayed such cour- 
age, that, by the order of Gen. Foster, those names, with the dates 
of the battles that made them historical, were inscribed on its 
banner. 

The remainder of the month was devoted to the almost unno- 
ticed but perilous and indispensable picket-duty. 

The regiment was attached to Gen. Heckman's brigade, and tlie 
subjoined note from him tells the story of that connection : — 

Headquaeteks First Brigade, Naglee's Division, 
Newbekn, N.C, Jan. 12, 1863. 

To Col. S. P. Richmond, commanding Third Regiment 31. V. M. 

Colonel, — In the report of my assistant adjutant-general, who inspected 
your regiment last muster, the arms you now have were condemned. I have 
made every effort since to have the arms changed, to retain you in my brigade ; 
but time would not permit : another regiment has been assigned. Accept 
my regrets that your regiment was not in condition to remain (as regards 
equipments) . 

The soldierly appearance and conduct of your officers and men have made 
a favorable impression ; and I part with you with regret. 
Very respectfully yours, 

C. A. HECKMAN, Brigadier-General, 
Commanding \st Brigade, Naglee's Division, 18th Army Corps. 

The regiment now became a part of Col. J. Jourdan's brigade 
for the rest of its term of enlistment. 

The commendation of Gen. Foster is a reliable estimation of 
the discipline and efficiency of the troops : — 

' ' The Third ^Massachusetts Regiment always obeys orders, and performs all 
its duties promptly, and without grumbling." 

Gen. Prince says, — 

" The Third IMassachusets Regiment and its commander can be intrusted 
with important duties, with a certainty of their being performed promptly and 
weU." 

Col. Jourdan says, — 

" The Third Massachusetts Regiment is always ready for duty." 



174 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

When the troops were removed, Jan. 26, to Camp Jourdan, 
near Fort Totten, its horribly wretched condition was soon so 
completely changed by their cheerful hard work, that the medi- 
cal director made special mention of it as '• one of the cleanest, 
prettiest, and most healthy camps near Newborn, although for- 
merly considered a very unhealthy locality." 

During Marcli, important detached service was performed by 
the Third, in Gen. Prince's division : under arms at Deep Gully, 
and reconnoitring to Pollocksville, were the most important inci- 
dents in its army life. 

April brought work on intrenchmcnts, an expedition across the 
Neuse River, exhausting marches, skirmislies with the enemy, 
successful co-operation with another column in driving the 
rebels from Washington, N.C., releasing the Forty-fourth Massa- 
chusetts from its unpleasant position, and picket-duty at Deep 
Gully. 

May repeated substantially this experience ; and, June 6, the 
regiment escorted the Forty-fourth Massachusetts to the depot, on 
their homeward march. 

Writes an officer, — 

Being ordered on the lltli to Boston, Mass., the regiment left New- 
bern. Three companies, with the sick, embarked on the " Tillie " at New- 
bern ; and seven companies went by railroad to Morehead, and embarked 
on the " Spaulding." The regiment was escorted to the depot by the One 
Hundred and Fifty-eighth New- York Volunteers, preceded by the band of 
the Forty-sixth Massachusetts. Gen. Foster and Col. Jourdan honored the 
column by a standing review. The Forty-fifth and Fifty-first Massachusetts 
Regiments were in line on the south side of the Trent River, and cheered us 
with music and voice on our homeward journey. 

We landed in Boston the 10th, having had rather a rough passage ; 
but the transports were very comfortable. We met with an enthusiastic re- 
ception in Boston, and were escorted to the Common by the Forty-fourth 
Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Rifle Club. The Grovernor being ab- 
sent, Adjutant-Gen. Schouler reviewed the column from the State-House steps; 
after which we marched to Beach Street, and partook of a collation. Atone, 
P.M., the regiment took the cars for Camp Joe Hooker, but were furloughed 
on the cars, being ordered to report in camp on the 22d. 

The regiment reported in camp on that day, wliere it remained until the 
26th, when it was mustered out of service by Capt. J. K. Lawrence, United- 
States army, and was dismissed by a complimentary and affecting order from 
the colonel. The men dispersed quietly, maintaining their excellent character 
for discipline to the last. 

During the campaign, the regiment was transported by steamers and 



THE FOURTH IN MOTION. 175 

railroad more than two thousand railes, and marched more than four hundred 
miles over the swampy roads of North CaroUna ; most of it being done durino- 
the most inclement season. It bivouacked upon the ground, witliout shelter, 
when the water froze in canteens ; and also marched when the thermometer 
ranged at one hundred and seven degrees in the shade. During a portion of 
the time, more than two hundred men were furnished for extra duty as me- 
chanics, and quite a large number were detailed as overseers of " contrabands " 
and others. 



THE FOURTH REGIMENT. 

The Fourth Reghnent was not tardy in answering to the re- 
newed demand for troops. It promptly prepared to march. Its 

officers were, — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon 
Assistant Surgeon 

Chaplain . 



Henry Walker. 
Eben T. Colby. 
Charles F. Howard. 
James Maldock. 
Edward W. Norton. 
J. F. Gould. 
Samuel E. Pierce. 



We give below, in a letter received from an officer of the Fourth, 
an authentic record of great interest. His glowing eulogy of 
the troops is not only pardonable, but, indeed, a commendable 
expression of appreciation of their gallant conduct. 

Upon Gen. Banks's retreat down the Shenandoah Valley, the Fourth, 
with other regiments, was ordered out. 

Lieut.-Col. Walker, late adjutant, living in Quincy, eight miles from 
Boston, read the order in the newspapers of the morning, while on his way to 
the depot. Setting the bells of his own town ringing, and arranging affairs 
there, he started, and drove through twenty miles of the country, settino- all 
the church-bells ringing, appointing places of rendezvous, &c. In forty-ei^ht 
hours, the regiment bad eight hundred men in Boston. A question arisino- 
as to the term of service required under the then recent legislation of Con- 
gress, Lieut.-Col. Walker addressed the men, appealing to their patriotism, 
and sense of duty ; and, in response, over two-thirds of those present promptly 
signed their names to an agreement to go, and trust to the justice of the 
Government. Out of all the other organizations in town, one only, the 
Fourth Battalion, took a like stand. Telegrams from Washington, stating 
that the troops were not needed, came the same day ; and the four thousand 
men, who had gathered almost at a moment's notice, returned to their homes. 
In July, 1862, the call came for two hundred thousand nine-months' men. 



176 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

On the very day on which it became known in Boston, Lieut.-Col. Walker 
offered the services of the regiment to the Grovernor, witli the arlditional offer, 
that, if camp equipage could be furnished, the regiment wouki be ready to 
go out of the State with a thousand men in a fortnight. It was the first 
regiment offered under this call Camp equipage coukl not be furnished ; 
but, within the fortnight, the regiment was more than three-quarters full New 
regiments were about this time started in Boston and vicinity, with large 
bounty funds, which tempted men to leave other organizations for the sake 
of the money. The Fourth finally went into camp, and was organized. 
Dee. 6, having had over twelve hundred men on its rolls. Lieut.-Col. Walker 
was chosen colonel; and on the 25th of December, 1862, the regiment left 
for New York. Here it was detained a week ; Col. Walker refusing to go 
in the vessel provided. By law, it eould not carry six hundred emigrants; 
and here a thousand men were put on board for a voyage to New Orleans. 
This matter was finally arranged, part of the men being left for another ship. 
Touching at Fortress Monroe, the regiment arrived at New Orleans about the 
middle of February, and went into camp at' Carrolton, where muskets were 
distributed to the men. Shortly after, the regiment proceeded to Baton 
Rouge, and took part in the first Port-Hudson expedition, when Farragnt 
passed that point in " The Eichmond." On the second day out, the rest of 
the army having halted, Col. Walker was ordered by Gen. Emory to take 
the Fourth and Thirty-first Massachusetts and Second Rhode-Island Cavalry, 
proceed to a point on the Clinton Plank-road called the " Cross-roads," and 
hold it at all hazards, as the right flank of the army. This force was after- 
ward augmented to twenty-five hundred men and several pieces of artillery. 
It arrived at the Cross-roads on the afternoon of Saturday, March 11 ; under 
orders, fell back several miles to Cypress Bayou, reaching there about five, 
P.M., Sunday, 12th; bivouacked there until the afternoon of the next day, 
amid a driving storm, and was then ordered back to the main army, reaching 
it about ten, p.m. The troops were in arms at three, a.m. ; waited until 
noon, and then started again for Cross-roads, reaching there at five, p.m. ; 
here bivouacked until eleven, p.m., and fell back to Cypress Bayou again; 
left there at eight the following morning for tlie main army, and with that lay 
in camp two days, when all were ordered back to Baton Piouge. The Fourth 
was detailed to remain behind, and bring all the ba2;f>:aore off the o-round. It 
did so, arriving some hours after the main army ; having sent every wagon 
and every thing worth carrying ahead. Early in April, with the most of the 
army, the Fourth proceeded to Brashear City. With the Sixteenth New- 
Hampshire, and part of the Twenty-first Indiana, it was ordei-ed to garrison 
that post. Afterwards it was ordered across Berwick Bay to participate in the 
fight at Bisland, and then to return. The night of the retreat of the rebels, 
the regiment was thrown out in front, close to their works ; and the fact that 
the rebels were retreating was first discovered by .some of its officers, and by 
them communicated to Gen. Banks. It marched on as far as Franklin, and 
then ix'turned to Brashear ; the command of which post was assigned to Col. 



THE FOURTH AT PORT HUDSON. 177 

Walker. Tlic duties here were very arduous. The regiraent, by the medical 
and sanitary reports one of the cleanest and healthiest in the department, lost 
many men. The place was the depot of supplies for the whole army : to it 
were sent all the captured men and stores en route for New Orleans. Thou- 
sands of negroes came down, and had to be rationed, and sent to the rear. 
Thousands of head of cattle, horses and mules, were brouglit in, while the 
hospitals furnished accommodations for seven hundred men. So multifarious 
were the duties, that often there were not men enough left in camp for police 
or camp-guard duty ; men performing the latter sometimes two or three days 
in succession. On the 28th of IMay, Col. "Walker received orders to send 
his own, the Fourth, and other regiments, to Port Hudson. At his oion 
request, he was relieved from command of the post, and rejoined the regiment 
at Port Hudson. Here it lay until the 14th of June, doing its full share of 
picket, fotigue, and foraging duty. In the assault of the 1-lth, Capt. Bart- 
lett, of Company K, led the storming-party, made up of men from several 
regiments. Of the four officers of the Fourth in the advance, two (Capt. 
Hull, of Company A; Lieut. Sampson, Company I) were wounded; Capt. 
Bartlett, killed ; Lieut. Drake, unhurt. Capt. Bartlett died on the very 
slope of the enemy's works, gallantly leading his men ; and no truer Chris- 
tian and patriot, and no braver soldier, went up from that bloody field than 
he. Said a rebel major, " He died nearer our works that day than any other 
Federal officer." The main body of the regiment, under the colonel, who 
had left his bed to go into the fight, advanced close under the works, and, 
with the rest of the assaulting columns, finally was ordered to halt, and lie 
down. Where the men dropped, there they lay until night, beneath the hot 
June Southern sun ; and many were sun-struck. When darkness came on, 
all the troops, under its cover, went back to camp. The Fourth lost every 
fifth man. After the fall of Port Hudson, the regiment remained in camp 
until Aug. 4, when it started for home. While before Port Hudson, all 
its baggage, papers, clothing, had been captured by the enemy at Brashear 
City, where they had been left under orders. The regiment had nothing left 
but its camp-worn clothes, nearly used up by hard service ; and as its term 
of service was nearly out, and no pay to be had, the men journeyed home in 
their war-worn blouses. The regiment was mustered out Aug. 28, 1863; 
most of it having been in the United-States service eleven months. Its 
character may be summed up in the words of Major-Gen. Emory : "It was 
one of the best regiments in my whole division. It was well disciplined. It 
was remarkable for its camp, police, and sanitary discipline. I remember 
signalizing it before the whole division at Baton Jlouge, on account of its • 
extreme excellence in these respects." 

23 \ 



178 MASSACHUSETTS IN TEE REBELLION. 

THE FIFTH REGDIENT. 

The Fifth was briefly noticed iu the narrative of earlj military 
operations. 

It won imqualified praises from Gen. Mansfield while aiding 
him in the defence of Washington. Having only a State banner, it 
was presented with a beautiful ensign by Massachusetts men in 
the capital, while on Long Bridge, en route from the Treasury 
Building to Alexandria. It was visited at Camp Massachu- 
setts by the President and Secretaries Chase and Cameron, who 
highly complimented the splendid appearance of the troops. The 
4th of July was appropriately celebrated ; and Gov. Andrew 
visited the encampment the succeeding day, greeting and prais- 
ing the boys. 

On the 16th, the march toward Centreville was commenced 
with Gen. Franklin's brigade. The Fifth, liaviug the honor of the 
right of the division, marched at the head of the column under 
Col. Heintzelman. After an exciting advance over an enemy's 
country, the command came on the 21st to " fall in lively ; " and, 
after ten miles of marching, the field of Bull Run, already covered 
with the smoke of battle, was reached. 

When, soon after, the order rang over their ranks, " Fifth Mas- 
sachusetts, forward, double-quick, march ! " the men, in their 
dark uniforms, went forward, under the fire of shot and shell, 
" with as much coolness as if they had been on an ordinary 
muster-field." Indeed, they were mistaken by an officer for reg- 
ulars, on account of their excellent behavior. Lawrence, the 
color-bearer, fell, bravely raising his standard in the wild tempest 
of that terrific struggle, when both armies had their sanguinary 
baptism into the war of Slavery with Freedom. 

Returning to camp on the 22d, the Fifth marched towards 
Washington with their wounded colonel, who was determined to 
see his regiment safely home. From the capital the troops pro- 
ceeded to Boston, attended along the way, and on their arrival, 
with the most enthusiastic demonstrations of grateful regard. 
The regiment was mustered out July 30, 1861. 

This regiment sprang agahi to arms at the call of their beloved 
President for three hundred thousand soldiers for nine months. 
Repairing to Camp Lander, Wenham, the ranks were soon filled ; 
and, Oct. 22, they sailed from Boston for Newbern,N'.C., with 
orders to report to Gen. Foster, under the following officers: — 



THE FIFTH IS XOIiTH CAROLIXA. 179 



Colonel 

Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Swgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 



George H. Pierson. 
John T. Boyd. 
William E. C. Worcester. 
William lugalls. 
Dixie C. Hoyt. 



The Fifth reached Xewbeni safely ; but before its arms and 
equipments could be forwarded from Morehead City, the point of 
debarkation, orders were received to be ready immediately, with 
three days' rations, to start upon an important expedition. 
Within forty-eight hours after the arrival of the troops, and 
through the hours of all the night, the camp was aglow with the 
fires over which the rations were cooking. Muskets were dis- 
tributed ; and, at four o'clock of Oct. 30, they embarked on board 
transports for Washington, X.C., which was reached the follow- 
ing day. Here they waited until Xov. 2 for the arrival of troops 
from Xewbern by the overland route. 

At seven o'clock on the morning of the sabbath, the columns 
engaged in the expedition, led by Major-Gen. Foster, took up their 
line of march for Williamstown. 

The regiment formed a part of Col. Horace C. Lee's brigade, 
of the Massachusetts Twejit3-seventh, under whose able and appre- 
ciative command it continued during the whole term of its service. 
After a march, attended with slight skirmishes, of one hundred 
and sixty miles, over bad roads and under stormy skies, the troops 
returned to camp. 

The story of their next marcli, commencing Dec. 10, to destroy 
the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, is well told by their en- 
thusiastic colonel : — 

We formed regimental line at sis, a.m., Thursday, Dec. 11 ; formino- 
ou the left of the third brigade, Col. H. C. Lee. At two, p.m., we 
started on the march, having the second post of honor (the extreme left). 
Marched until half-past four, a.m., of the 12th, and bivouacked about nine 
miles from Newbern. At sunrise, we agam started in the same position, and, 
after a hai-d day's mai-ch, bivouacked about twenty miles from Newbern. 
Sunrise of the loth saw us again moving in the same position. Arrived at the 
"Church," six miles from Kinston, about ten, p.m. In the mornino', we 
were ordered to throw out pickets on the different roads, and to guard the 
baggage-train. Companies H, Capt. Drew, and E, Capt. Kent, were posted 
about thi-ee miles from our headquarters, on a cross-road leading to Kinston, 
and, in connection with a company of cavahy, held about six hundred of the 
enemy at bay, and finally drove them into Kinston, and joined us the next 
morning there. Company C, Capt. Daniels, was posted on the road leading 



180 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

towards "Wilmington. About eleven, p.m., they saw the enemy's cavalry 
coming up the road ; but the boys were wide awake, and a few shots dispersed 
the rebels. Upon examination and inquiry the next morning, it was found 
that there were about two hundred of them, undoubtedly on a scouting 
expedition. Companies G, Capt. Grammer, and F, Capt. Currier, were 
posted on the main road to Kinston to guard the bridge over South-west 
Creek. Company D, Lieut. IMarden commanding, was posted to the rear, — 
thus leaving Companies B, K, and I, as guard for the baggage-train ; Com- 
pany A being at this time on detached service at Washington, N.C. 

Monday morning, the 15th, we were ordered to march again, still holding 
the same position. This day we marched about twenty-three miles, being 
obliged to march the six miles from the " Church " to Kinston before joining 
the main column. Tuesday found us still on the left ; but, as the battle at 
Whitehall was concluding, the third brigade was ordered in the advance. In 
passing up the hill opposite that place, the enemy's bullets were still flying 
in the air ; but we had only three wounded, of which I sent you an account 
by last mail. Much to our relief, we reached our camping-ground about half- 
past five, P.M. The next morning we were off again, the third brigade still 
in the advance. About half-past twelve, p.m., the cannon in advance 
told us we had reached the field of action ; and so indeed we had. We 
were drawn up in line on the extreme left. Company D was detached, and 
sent skirmishing ; and Company H was sent to protect the party destroying 
the railroad. After remaining thus for about an hour, our two companies 
were ordered in ; and the word was pa.ssed, that " the object of the expedi- 
tion " was accomplished, and orders were, "Back to Newbern." "Three 
times three " went up as we came to about-face, and the retrograde movement 
began. But the echo of our cheers had hardly died away before we heard 
traitor shouts, and saw the rebel flag displayed directly in our rear (that was 
then), and towards Goldsborough. Capt. Morrison's battery immediately 
wheeled to the front, and we were ordered to its support. Here the regiment 
showed the pluck common to troops from the Old Bay State. Not a man 
flinched, or moved an inch from his post. Yet this was their first time in 
the face of an enemy. On the rebels came, showing a determination to 
charge on and take our battery. But Capt. Morrison's guns were not idle : 
they poured grape and canister into them, mowing them down by scores, and 
driving them back with great slaughter. But the rebels showed a spirit 
worthy of a better cause : they tried again with the same result ; and never 
shall we forget the scenes of that day. It did us good to see the traitor flag 
I'all in the dust as we lay there eager for the charge. Perfect storms of shot 
and shell passed over our heads ; our flag was twice pierced by fragments of 
shell ; and yet, strange as it may seem, we had only five men wounded in 
this engagement. We were denied the chance of testing our strength hand 
to hand with them : still wc were none the less ready. The officers and men 
promptly obeyed all the orders given them. 

After a severe punishment had been inflicted upon the enemy, they broke. 



KINSTOX, WHITEHALL, AND GOLDSBOROVGH. 181 

and fled iuto the woods in great confusion ; and we were again ordered to 
resume our march toward Ncwbern. In so doing, we were obliged to cross a 
brook into which the enemy had lifted a water-gate, thus hoping to flood us ; 
but they failed in this project. New-England men are not afraid of water : 
still it was not comfortable to wade to our arm-pits, stand an hour on the 
bank, and then march five miles to camp. Nothing more of peculiar interest 
happened on our return march. We had all the way the extreme left, or 
rear-guard, which placed us late in camp every night. 

We reached our camp at Newbern on Sunday, Dec. 21, at half-past 
two, P.M., happy in having done our duty, and ready at all times to respond 
to its call. 

The regiment had marched a hundred and eighty miles in 
ten days. 

Gen. Foster ordered the inscription on its banners of the battle 
names, Kinston, Whitehall, and Goldsborough. 

Jan. 21, the camp was fortified, and named by Gen. Foster, 
in honor of the commander of the Fifth, Fort Pierson. On the 
21st of February, Company G was detailed to garrison Forts Hat- 
teras and Clark, at Hatteras Inlet ; where it remained until the 
regiment returned home. Company D was also detailed for gar- 
rison duty at Plymouth, N.C. ; returning to the regiment on the 
4th of May. March 13, just fifteen minutes after the order was 
received, this regiment started with others for Deep Gully, eight 
miles Trom Newbern, where the enemy made his appearance, but, 
learning the enemy had attacked Newbei-n, immediately returned 
to that place. After attempting the relief of Gen. Foster at 
Washington, N. C, by Pamlico River, it returned to join the 
land expedition under Gen. Spinola ; and, after a brief engage- 
ment, returned again to Fort Pierson. 

April 16 was a memorable holiday. A beautiful flag was 
raised to its staff, a speech made by the chaplain, songs were 
given to the glee club, and patriotic airs were played by the regi- 
mental band. 

The next day, the regiment joined a new expedition to Wash- 
ington, which the rebels abandoned upon the approach of our 
troops. 

Ten days afterward, they were connected with the expedition 
towards Kinston under Gen. Palmer, for whose success he com- 
plimented with special notice the Fifth Regiment. 

An expedition to Mosely Creek, May 21, was attended by a splen- 
did charge upon the enemy, and his defeat : the forces returned to 
Newbern on the 23d. The hardest part of the struggle was with 



182 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the intense heat, the miry swamps, and the pathless jungles, of 
the march. 

Garrison and picket duty occupied the weeks until June 22. 

On that day, the regiment left North Carolina, and reported 
next day at Fortress Monroe, to tender its services to the Gov- 
ernment if the emergency r.equired them ; but, in consequence of 
the term of service having so nearly expired, it was ordered to 
proceed directly to Boston. Arriving in Boston Harbor on the 
afternoon of the 25tli, and landing on the morning of the 26th, 
the regiment received an enthusiastic ovation from the citi- 
zens of Boston, and the authorities and inhabitants of Charles- 
town and vicinity. Along the whole route, crowds of people had 
assembled to welcome the return of this favorite regiment to 
Massachusetts. 

The regiment was mustered out of service at Wenham, July 2. 

During its term of service, it had marched about six hundred 
miles over the wretched roads of North Carolina, and sailed over 
two thousand miles in crowded transports. 

Performing every duty required of it with alacrity and fidelity, 
and exhibiting unshaken fortitude when severely tested, it secured 
the high esteem of the veteran troops with whom it was associated, 
and won liigh praise from its brigade, division, and corps com- 
manders. 

When leaving Ncwbern, it received the compliment of an escort 
from the brigade to which it had been attached, under the com- 
mand of Col. H. C. Lee, who took advantage of the occasion to 
address tlie officers and men of the regiment as follows: — 

3£r. Commander, Fellow - officers, and Soldiers, — Although unaccus- 
tomed to public speaking, I cannot, in justice to my own feelings, part with 
you without expressing my respect for you, and my gratitude f )r the prompti- 
tude and cheerfulness with which you have obeyed all my orders, whether 
you were commanded to march to the deadly battle-tiekl, or to appear for 
drill or review. 

I had heard, before the regiment came to this department, of its honorable 
reputation ; and I was proud when I learned that it was to be included in the 
brigade under my command. 

That pride has been continually strengthened by the faithfulness with 
which you have performed your duties. 

You had scarcely time to realize that you were on the enemy's soil, when 
you were ordered on a tedious and hazardous march ; and this you have fol- 
lowed up, with brief intervals, by frequent expeditions, leaving but little 
time for rest. 



THE FIFTH ENLISTS FOR THE THIRD TIME. 183 

You may, perhaps, think you have clone more than your share of labor, 
by engaging iji more expeditions, enduring hunger marches, and performing 
moi-e arduous service, than any other nine-months' regiment, or even the three- 
years' troops, ill the same period of time. But you should remember the 
Scripture saying, that " vphom the Lord loveth he chastenetli," and accept 
the toils and hardships you have borne, as a proof of the good opinion of your 
commanding general, who calls most frequently into service those regiments 
in whom he has the most confidence. 

I shall follow you to your farms, your workshops, and your counting-houses, 
with the warmest feelings of friendship ; and shall always remember your 
services with gratitude and satisfaction. 

Just before the departure of the regiment, a note was received 
from Gen. Foster, of which the following is a copy : — 

IlEADQUAnXERS EIGHTEENTH COEPS, 

Newbeen, June 22, 1863. 
Col. George H. Pierson, commanding Fifth 3Iassachuseits Volmiteer 
Militia, — The term of service of your regiment having expired, you are 
about to leave this department. 

Your regiment has at all times faithfully performed its duty : whatever 
it has done has been well done. 

The commanding general desires to express his regret at bidding you fare- 
well, and the hope that he may soon have the pleasure of welcoming many 
of your members back again. 

Very respectfully and truly. 

And by command of 

MAJOE-GEN. FOSTER. 
SouTHAKD HoFFJiAK, Assistant Arljuiant- General. 

For the third time, the Fifth Regiment, commanded by Col. 
Pierson, left for the seat of war, July 28, 180-1: ; having been 
mustered in the same day with eight hundred and eighty-six men. 
The regiment returned with honor to the State at the expiration 
of the term of service. 

THE SIXTH REGIMENT. 

The Old Sixth needs no other eulogy than its simple history. 
When its oJBficers gathered, at the suggestion of Gen. Butler, in 
the American House, Lowell, Jan. 21, 1861, they little dreamed of 
the scenes which, three months later, immortalized the regiment. 

" The streets our soldier-f itliers trod 
Blushed with their children's gore: 
We saw the craven rulers nod, 
And dip in blood the civic rod. 

Shall such things be, righteous God! 
In Baltimore? " 



184 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The blood that reddened the pavements of that city flowed 
from the veins of the men of the Sixth. 

There were incidents of permanent interest in that tragical 
experience, unrecorded at the time. 

When, in the haste and confusion at Baltimore, the regiment 
was separated, and the band of musicians driven to seek refuge in 
such houses as were opened for them, until escorted bv four 
hundred policemen to the Philadelphia Depot, while Capt. FoUans- 
bee led the four companies through Pratt Street, Timothy Crowly, 
the standard-bearer, proudly kept the colors flying over the march, 
whose silence was broken only by jeers, curses, and the sounds of 
assault, 

Lieut. Jepson still keeps the sword crimsoned with the blood 
of the rebel who drew him into the mob. A wQVf sword having been 
received in Washington, the blade of the old one was unwaslied, 
and will be a stirring memorial of one of the earliest blows upon 
a traitor's head. 

Here, too, began the expressions of kindest interest by the 
bondmen, which increased with the progress of the war. Colored 
women tore up their scanty garments to bind the soldiers' 
wounds. 

While at Washington, Chaplain Babbidge (to whom Col. Jones, 
in his anxiety for the flag presented by Gov. Andrew, committed 
it) folded the standard, and wore it across his heart, under his 
coat, for several days. 

Whether marching through Pennsylvania Avenue in columns of 
platoons to awe the secessionists with the brigade-appearance, 
or drilling, then building ovens and tanks, or guarding the polls 
at Baltimore, the troops were the objects of peculiar interest, and 
warmly praised by all loyal hearts. Congress thanked them ; 
Gen, Dix congratulated them ; the people of Bergen, N. J., pre- 
sented a flag ; and the Commonwealth which they had honored 
received them home again, Aug. 2, with a welcome such as Bos- 
ton knows how to give her returning warriors. 

The Sixth led in the march of tlie nine-months' troops to the 
field of war, under the command of Col. A. S. Follansbee, of 
Lowell. 

The regiment was mustered into service, Aug. 31 ; and, on the 
morning of Sept. 9, left Camp Wilson, Lowell, for Washington, 
At Boston, marching directly across the city to the Providence 
Depot, the troops were deprived of a handsome collation which 
had been provided by the State authorities, and of the Governor's 
eloquent farewell. 



TEE SIXTH IN VIRGINIA. 185 

At New York, which was reached by steamer " Plymouth Rock," 
Sept 10, a bountiful breakfast was spread at the Park barracks 
for the men, while the officers were entertained at the Astor 
House. 

Col. Howe presided ; and Prof. Hitchcock of the Union Semi 
nary, and others, made addresses. In the afternoon, the regiment 
marched towards Jersey Ferry amid the wildest cheering. Flags 
and handkerchiefs were waved from doors, windows, and balconies : 
a cannon thundered its significant adieu from the roof of the New- 
England House. At Camden, N. J., Major Henry headed a dele- 
gation, and Mr. Thomas Webster very eloquently addressed the 
troops. 

In Philadelphia, the officers were welcomed to the Continental, 
and the troops to the Cooper Refreshment Saloon, — that resting- 
place along the great highway to the battle-fields of the war in the 
East, the mention of which will suffuse with tears of gratitude 
the eyes of unnumbered soldiers. 

On each plate was placed a printed address of warmest greeting, 
whose title indicates its character : '' Union Saloon's Welcome. 
Hail to the Massachusetts Sixth ! Wednesday evening, Sept. 10, 
1862." 

After other speeches, and exhibitions of enthusiasm, the Sixth 
started at eleven o'clock, a.m., for Washington. 

The officers of the regiment were, — 

Colo7iel . . . . . . . A. S. Follansbee. 

TAeutenant- Colonel . .... Melvin Beal. 

Major Charles A. Stott. 

Surgeon ....... Walter Burnham. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . . . 0. M. Humphrey. 

G. E. Pinkham. 

Chaplain ...... J. W. Hanson. 

Col. Follansbee reported to Gen. Casey, who ordered the troops 
to Fortress Monroe; and Gen. Dix sent them to Suffolk, Va., where 
they reported to Gen. Terry on the 15th. They were stationed in 
an orchard, which, in Yankee fashion, they immediately began to 
improve ; and soon tents were pitched, streets graded, and every 
thing was made as comfortable as possible. The rebels, it was 
reported on the 17th, were near, and preparation was at once 
made to receive them ; but no attack was made, and the men 
were employed on picket-duty, rifle-pits, and intrenchments. 

During the next eight months, the result of their digging, cliop- 

24 



186 MASSACHUSETTS AY THE REBELLIOX. 

ping, wheeling, and working on fortifications, was seen in one of 
the most formidable line of defences to be found in the country, 
stretching nine miles along the Dismal Swamp. 

The observance of the sabbath by the regiment was general ; 
and, wherever the " assembly sounded, several hundred \isually 
formed a square in front of headquarters, the chaplain standing 
on a box, behind a pile of drums, and discoursing briefly to an 
attentive audience, with singing of the first order." Prayer- 
meetings were also held weekly; and " several men made a profes- 
sion of religion during the campaign." The Sixth was called the 
" writing regiment," because of the unusually large correspond- 
ence kept up between the boys and home. 

On the 24th, the regiment was brigaded under Col. R. S. Fos- 
ter. The next day, camp was changed to liiglier and pleasanter 
ground, and built winter-quarters of " Virginia mud," logs, and 
canvas. The country around furnished sweet-potatoes, grapes, 
&c., " which ivonld find their way into camp." The monotony 
was broken by the frequent arrival of contrabands, panting for 
freedom. 

Chaplain Hanson graphically describes the meetings of the col- 
ored people for worship to which he alluded, and gives the words 
of their original heart^melodies. 

Nov. 17, a force of about five thousand men, in which the 
Sixth had the post of honor, started for the Blackwater River, 
where the cavalry liad skirmished with the enemy. The gantlet 
of rebel fire along the march, " whose ticklisli music the troops 
heard for the first time," was run with heroic bearing. Two men 
fell out of the ranks, and were captured. The expedition returned ; 
and the troops, after rest, completed winter-quarters. Two of 
their number died of typhoid-fever during November. 

The 27th was Thanksgiving. 

The Massachusetts holiday was appropriately observed. The 
chaplain had read the previous sabbath the Governor's Proclama- 
tion, and General Orders ; and a " large number of strangers vvere 
present, and the larders of the men overflowed with comforts. 
Boxes from home, containing tons of luxuries, were constantly 
arriving ; and they did much to moisten the ' hard-tack,' and 
soften the proverbial ' salt mule.' " 

Early in December, an expedition was made to the vicinity of 
Franklin, where, the cavalry force charged splendidly an equal 
rebel force. 

Dec. G, huts were built upon new camping-ground on the 



THE SIXTH IN THE FIELD. 187 

front, before occupied by the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania, and called 
Camp Misery : it was soon worthy of a l)etter name under the 
new management. Here young Richardson died of diphtheria, 
'' with perfect trust in God." A refreshing supply of stores was 
received from the Sanitary Commission, and Soldiers' Aid Society 
of Haverhill. On tlie 11th, the regiment was again marching 
toward the Blackwater. Lieut. Barr, a favorite among his com- 
rades, was the next day killed by a rebel sharpshooter, the ball 
entering his heart. 

After hard marches aiid heavy skirmishing, the troops encoun- 
tered the enemy. A skirmish followed with a force under Gen. 
Pryor on the 28th, in which the rebels were routed. 

Jan. 27, another death by fever occurred; and, on the 29th, 
another by the falling of a tree. 

Two days later, at midnight, another expedition started for the 
Blackwater, the moonlight shining on the waste of mud and water 
through which the marches lay. 

The object of the movement was to attack, rout, and, if pos- 
sible, capture, Gen. Pryor's force. Near Suffolk, the enemy 
made an attack, when the Sixth supported the Massachusetts 
Seventh and Foliett's Battery. In the severe engagement of the 
regiment, six were killed or fatally wounded. The conduct of the 
Sixth was excellent, and complimented on the field by Gen. Cor- 
coran and other officers. 

February and March were months of frequent storms, and only 
fatigue and picket duty could be performed. 

Feb. 27, Augustus Reed, the gallant " Gussy," as he was 
called, aged nineteen, died. 

April 10, tents disappeared, huts were dismantled, and the Sixth 
" reduced to light marching order." Then followed the threat- 
ened attack of Gen. Longstreet, with its skirmishing, duels 
between gunboats, the artillery, and the rifles of the sharp- 
shooters, for twenty-three days. 

April 24, Col. Follansbee commanded an expedition to make a 
sortie on the Somerton Road. 

May 4, the enemy fell back towards Fredericksburg. 

Nine days later, the eighth and last expedition of the Sixth was 
made towards Blackwater, under the general command of Col. 
Foster, while Col. Follansbee led Foster's brigade. The 15th 
brought skirmishing with the enemy, followed by firing all along 
the line. The engagement cost the Sixth twenty-one killed, 
wounded, and missing. 



188 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Records the Adjutant-General : — 

Uader command of Gen. Corcoran, the regiment moved to Windsor, May 
20, to protect workmen in taking up the rails of the Norfolk and Petersburg 
Road. Here it remained until the 23d ; when Gen. Corcoran notified Col. 
Follansbee, that, in consideration of the nearness of the time when its term of 
service would expire, the regiment would that day be relieved. Accordingly, 
at four, P.M., it left for Suffolk, arriving after ten days of most fatiguing and 
exhausting service, which told more on the regiment's health and spirits 
than all the rest of its hardships combined. 

May 25, Gen. Peck and Col. Foster issued very complimentary orders to 
the regiment; and, on the morning of the 2Gth, it bade adieu to the scene of 
its toils and perils, arriving in Boston in the steamer "S. 11. Spaulding," after 
a delightful voyage, May 29, and reaching Lowell the same day, where a 
splendid ovation was received from the people of that city. It was then — 
two days before the expiration of its terra of service — dismissed, to report 
for mustering out on, the 3d of June. With gi-eat order, the men returned to 
their homes. 

Thus ended the second campaign of the Sixth Massachusetts Reu-iment, 
honorably to itself, and with remarkable exemption from death by disease and 
battle, when the number of its engagements, and the unhealthy location of its 
camp on the edge of the Dismal Swamp, are considered. Much of this 
exemption should be attributed to the humane courage of its commandino- 
ofiicers, the skill and care of its surgeons, but more to the sterling sense and 
intelligence of the men themselves. Col. Follansbee could have sacrificed 
many of them had he been ambitious to do so, and would have done so 
had he possessed less military skill. 

Officers and men parted with remarkable good will, and with a mutual 
harmony and confidence rarely witnessed ; and as those who composed the 
regiment look back, and review their campaign, they must generally con- 
gratulate themselves that their military experience was, on the whole, so 
agreeable. 

THE EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

The Eighth is emphatically an Essex-County regiment. It 
served with distinction under Col. Monroe and Col. (now Gen.) 
Hinks in the three-months' campaign in 1861. It was recruited 
for the nine-months' service at Camp F. W. Lander, at Wenham ; 
and completed its organization by the election of F. W. Coffin, an 
experienced militia officer, as colonel. The roster was as follows : 

Colonel F. J. Cofiin. 

Lieutenant- Colonel .... James Hudson, jun. 

Surgeon Charles Haddock. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . . J. L. Robinson. 

Chaplain J. C. Kimball. 



THE EIGHTH IN NORTH CAROLINA. 189 

On the twenty-fifth day of November, 18(32, the regiment left 
Camp F. W. Lander, at Wenham, Mass., for Boston, where it 
embarked on tiie transport steamer " Mississippi," and sailed dur- 
ing the evening of tlie same day ; and, after a somewliat stormy 
passage, arrived at Morehead City, N.C., on the 30th, and pro- 
ceeded thence by rail to Newborn. On its arrival, — whicli was 
late in the evening, — the regiment was assigned to the second 
brigade, first division, under command of Col. T. G. Stevenson, 
Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, and went into camp 
on the Fair Grounds, in tents vacated by the Tenth Regiment 
Connecticut Volunteers. 

Dec. 4, Company A, Capt. Gardiner, and Company E, Capt. 
Porter, were detached from the regiment, for garrison-duty at 
Roanoke Island ; and remained absent from the regiment until 
July 12, 1863, when they rejoined it at Maryland Heights. 

Dec. 9, the regiment was detached from the second brigade, 
first division, for garrison-duty in the city of Newbern, — all the 
other troops in and about Newbern being about to leave on an 
expedition to the interior of the State, — and Col. Coffin was 
appointed to the command of the post. 

Doc. 28, the regiment was assigned to the brigade under the 
command of Col. T. J. C. Amory, Seventeenth Massachusetts 
Volunteers ; and, on the same day, was transferred to the first 
brigade, second division, under command of Brig. -Gen. Heckman, 
where it remained untilJan. 11,1863. The brigade was then 
ordered to the Department of the South, and the regiment was 
joined to the second brigade, fifth division, under command of 
Col. James Jourdan, One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Regiment 
New- York Volunteers, on account of having condemned arms. 

Jan. 25, 1863, the regiment changed camp from Fair Grounds 
to Fort Totten ; and, on the same day, Companies G and K were 
detached from the regiment for duty there. 

Feb. 1, Companies A and E, under command of Capt. Porter, 
with two days' rations, proceeded on steamer '' Halifax" up Car- 
rituck Sound to destroy rebel salt-works and capture guerillas. 
Getting frozen into the ice, they were compelled to remain five 
days, during which they suffered much for want of rations ; but 
returned on the 6th, having accomplished their object, with a loss 
of two men wounded. 

Feb. 7, Companies B and F were detached from the regi- 
ment, and ordered to Roanoke Island as re-euforcements to the 
garrison there. 



190 MASSAcmrsETTS ly the bebeluox. 

On the 10th. Company B was detached from the garrison at 
Roanoke Island, and ordered to Elizabeth Cilv as a re-enforcement 
to the garrison at that post, the vicinity of which was then 
infested with gnerUlas. and with whom the garrison had a number 
of skirmishes, but with a loss to this company of only one man 
wounded. 

Feb. 25, the regiment participated in a review of all the 
tT'i'jns in and about Xewbern : and. although it had but six com- 
panies present, ii received the credit of being one of the best 
regiments in the department for soldierly bearing and deport- 
meiii. 

March 16. the regiment, with others comprising the fifth 
division, under eonmiand of Gen. Prince, was ordered on a re- 
conuoissance towards Trenton, X.C. Having accomplished the 
object of the expedition, they returned the next day, after a 
march of about twenty-five miles, 

March 20. Coi. CoflSn was ordered to the command of the second 
brigade, fifth division. 

April 8, an expedition, of which the regiment formed a part, 
under command of Brig.-Gea. Spinola, left Xewbem to re-en- 
force Gen. Foster at Washington. X.C ; meeting and engaging 
the enemy at Blount's Creek, who were strongly fortified, and 
believed to be in large numbers. The exp^edition. therefore, 
returned on the 12th, with a loss to the regiment of one man 
wounded, having marched a distance of forty-five miles. 

April 16, Company B was relieved from duty at Elizabeth City, 
and ordered to rejoin the regiment, the above-named place having 
been abandoned by our forces. 

The same day. the regiment, forming part of an expediriou under 
command of Gen. Prince, left Xewbem for the purpose of recon- 
noitring in the vicinity of the outposts of the enemy. After 
remaining absent six days, the expedition returned, having taken 
a number of the enemy prisoners. 

May 18, the Eighth changed from camp at Fort Totten to Camp 
Coffin, about one-third of a mile distant. 

May 25, it moved from Camp Coffin to Fort Thompson, on the 
Xeuse Biver. about five miles from Xewbem, to reconstruct the 
fort destroyed in 1S61 ; but, on inspection, the commanding 
general abandoned the idea ; and, on June 12, it returned to 
Xewbem, and went into camp at Camp Jourdau, named in honor 
of the brigade commander. Col. James Jourdan. 

June 24, Companies G and K were relieved from duty in Fort 



ox 5fAP.TLJ.yD HEIGHTS. 191 

Totten, and reported to the regimeutal commander for datj; 
and, on the same day, the regiment embarked on transports -Alli- 
ance'' and "Highlander," and sailed for Fortress Monroe, arriving 
on the '2~th. The next day it was ordered to Boston. Mass., to 
be mustered out of service. The quartermaster's department 
not furnishing the necessary transportation, the regiment lay at 
Fortress Monroe until the 30th, when it was ordered to Balti- 
more, Md., to report to Major-Cxen. Schenck, commanding Middle 
Department, Eighth Army Corps, as there were fears of an aitack 
on that ciry by the enemy. 

July 1. the regiment arrived at Baltimore, and was assigned 
to the second provisional brigade, under command of Brig.-Gen. 
E. B. Tyler. It was ordered to Camp Bradford, where it re- 
mained until the 6th. when it was assigned to the brigade 
under command of Brig.-G^en. Brigg?. and proceeded by rail to 
Monocacy June don. M*d, 

The next day the Eighth proceeded to Sandy Hook, and on 
that night took up the line of march for Maryland Heights. The 
march up those rugged heights was hard indeed ; and, it having 
rained for a number of hours, the road, or rather path, was in 
a very bad condition, and the night so dark, one could not tell 
friend from foe. Entirely unacquainted with the route, the regi- 
ment was nearly five hours advancing a distance of little more than 
three and a half miles ; but finally reached the destination, and 
at about half-past two o'clock, a.m., Of the Sth, taking possession 
of Fort Duncan, raised the sturs and stripes where they could be 
seen by the pickets of the enemy at the break of day. The regi- 
ment remained here until the liith : when, with the re-enforcement 
of Companies A, E, and F, — which had been relieved from duty 
at Roanoke Island, X.C, — the brigade took up the line of march 
in the night to re-enforce the Army of the Potomac, which it 
joined the next day at Funkstown. having marched a distance of 
twenty-five miles in sixteen hours. The brigade was immediately 
assigned to the second division. First Army Corps. The regiment 
remained with the Army of the Potomac during iis movement 
from Funkstown to the Rappahannock : when, on the il^th, it was 
ordered home to be mustered out of service. While in the Army 
of the Potomac, although the regunent was not engaged with the 
enemy, it. suffered much for want of tents, clothing, shoes, <tc. 
The men, on leaving Xewbern. June 24. supposing their destina- 
tion to be Massachusetts, deemed it unnecessary to provide them- 
selves with a new supply of clothing, as what they had would be 



192 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

more than sufficient for their use on the passage home; and, 
being unable to get supplied at Baltimore, the men arrived in 
Massachusetts on the 29th, with clothes tattered and torn, but yet 
showing that they had seen service, and, by their firm tread and 
manly bearing, that they were ready and willing to do their duty 
to their country and to the glorious old flag. 

The regiment received a hearty welcome from its friends, and 
was mustered out of service Aug. 7, 1863. 

Since the organization of the regiment, the number of deaths 
was nine ; wounded, four : deserters, forty-two. 

The Eighth Regiment, Col. Peach in command, left with the 
hundred-days' men, — his force numbering eight hundred and sixty 
men, — July 26, 1864. Acquitting themselves with their usual 
discipline, and prompt acceptance of any post of duty to the Re- 
public, the troops reached home again in the autumn. 



CHAPTER YIL 
THE SEVENTH, NINTH, AND TENTH REGIMENTS. 

The Seventh under Col. Couch. — Movements and Achievements. — Ninth Regiment. — 
Composition of the Eeghnent. — Col. Cass. — Roster of Officers. — Movements in 
Vii-ginia. — Peninsular Campaign. — Mai'ch into Maryland. — Battle of Fredericks- 
burg. — Chancellorsville. — Gettysburg. — Rappahannock Station. — Mine Run. — 
Wilderness. — Return Home. — Discharge. — Tenth Regiment. — Its Origin. — Its 
Roster of Officers. — In Maryland. — In Virginia. — At Yorktown. — Peninsular 
Campaign. — Antietam. — Fredericksburg. — St. Mary's Heights. — At Gettysburg. — 
Pursuit of the Enemy. — Campaign of the Wilderness. — Crossing the James. — Before 
Petersburg. — Return Home. — Mustered out. 

THE Seventh Regiment was raised in the county of Bristol 
by Col. Darius Nash Couch, who was commissioned major- 
general, July 4, 1862. He was a native of Putnam County, N. Y., 
and a graduate of West Point. He won laurels in the war with 
Mexico ; and, six years later, made a tour through that country, 
publishing, upon his return, his " Notes of Travel." Resigning 
his position in thp army, he engaged in business in New- York 
City, and subsequently in Taunton, Mass., where he resided 
when the Rebellion brought him again into the war-field, at the 
head of the Seventh. Its officers were, — 

Colonel ...... Darius N. Couch. 

Lieutenant- Colonel . . . . Chester W. Greene. 

Majoi' ...... David E. Holman. 

Surgeon ...... S. Atherton Hohuan. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . . Z. Boylston Adams. 

Col. Russell of the regular army, who succeeded Col. Couch 
upon his promotion to a major-generalship, was a fine officer, and 
did much to make the Seventh one of the best regiments in the 
army. 

In making a sketch of tliis excellent body of troops, we can 
give no more than " a mere outline of its camps, its marches, and 
its battles." The " bravery and good conduct" of the Seventh 
have frequent mention in General Orders. It was mustered into 
service at Taunton, Mass., June 15, 18G1 ; and arrived in Wash- 
ington, B.C., July 15, and encamped on Kalorama Heights, near 
Georgetown. The following month it went into winter-quarters 

25 • 193 



194 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

at Camp Brightwood. The last week in March, 1862, — havhig 
marched to Prospect Hill, Va., and returned, — it embarked in 
the steamer "Daniel Webster" for Fortress Monroe ; landed on 
the 29th, and moved seven miles to Camp William F. Smith. 

On the 4th of April, the troops were again on the march toward 
Williamsbnrg, where they immediately entered tlie field of battle. 
Though weary, and the afternoon was waning, they advanced, 
under a severe and well-served fire, to the support of the ex- 
hausted columns of Gen. Peck's brigade. At nightftiU, they 
relieved the One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
standing by their arms during all the dismal night of drenching 
rain, without blankets or fires. Before the sun had risen, a de- 
tachment from Company K, Capt. Reed, with another from Gen. 
Davidson's command, occupied Fort Magruder. 

On the 9th, they started for Bottom's Bridge ; had a skirmish 
with the enemy's pickets on the 21st, driving them in : our forces 
then crossed the Chickahominy. 

On the last day of May and the first of June, they were engaged 
in the fierce battle of Fair Oaks. 

June 2, they supported a battery at Golding's Farm ; and on 
the 25th, having left camp not far from Savage's Station, engaged 
the enemy near Seven Pines. 

During the five days following, the troops marched twenty-five 
miles, turned to James River, and, after a skirmish with rebel 
cavalry, encamped on the 30th at Turkey-Island Bend. 

July 1, the march was resumed to Malvern Hill, followed by 
picket -duty in the woods. The next day, the weary men 
encamped near Harrison's Landing. On the 3d, they marched 
three and a half miles, and went into camp again. By the 
17th, having made reconnoissances to Turkey-Island Bend and 
Haxall's Station, the troops crossed the Chickahominy, and 
encamped on its banks. The month of September, 1863, was 
spent in marches from Alexandria to Fairfax Court House, Chain 
Bridge, Tenally Town, into Maryland, crossing the Monocacy 
River at Sicksville, then over tlie mountains to Burttellsville, 
thence through Soutli-Mountain Gap, and finally to the battle- 
field of Antietam. Here they remained a few hours in line of 
battle in the rear of Gen. Porter's corps, and crossed the Antie- 
tam River to the field of the previous day, to be stationed on 
picket. The 21st, they encamped in the woods on the Williams- 
port Road, and, two days later, near Downesville. 

Oct. 18, passing through Williamsport, the tents were pitched in 



THE SEVENTH AT WORK. 195 

the iieigliborliood of Clear Springs. Marching over North Moun- 
tain on the 20th, and changing camp from Hancock to Clierry 
Run, Williamsport, Robertsville, and Berlin, i\\Qj crossed into 
Virginia. 

Dec. 11, they started at daylight, and marched to the Rappa- 
hannock about one mile below Fredericksburg ; halted until five, 
P.M. ; then crossed that river under a severe fire from the enemy. 
The regiment was the second to cross, and, acting as support to 
the skirmish-lino, advanced about half a mile from the river, 
driving the enemy in front. The troops remained in this position 
during the night, on picket ; their brigade being the only troops 
across the river at this point. 

From Dec. 12 till the last days of January, with brief encamp- 
ments, the regiment was marching ; sometimes on the left of our 
line, under fire, and then the rear-guard of the army. They were 
in camp the greater part of the winter, at White-oak Church. 

Leaving this spot April 28, the rain beating upon their ranks, 
the brave men moved towards the Rappahannock, bivouacked for 
the night, and at dawn of day, advancing nearer to the stream, 
deployed into line of battle. 

July 3, they acted as support, moving from right to left, almost 
continually under fire. On the 4tli, before dawn, they were in 
the front ; and at noon fell back, and threw up rifle-pits. 

From that memorable day till the last of October, the troops 
were on picket, their tramp echoing on the midnight air, and 
their bivouac on the wild summit of South Mountain ; followed 
by the close pursuit of the enemy with its excitement, and the line 
of battle with its awful pause. Rifle-pits bristled at intervals 
along their way, thrown up by their strong hands ; and from 
the mountain-top, crested by their arms on the 7th of July, they 
moved towards the Potomac, encamping at Warrenton, Stone- 
house Mountain, Bristow Station. Nearly two hundred and fifty 
miles had been travelled to the neighborhood of "Warrenton, and 
well-nigh the entire programme of war experienced by the un- 
complaining troops. 

October and November brought the usual variety of marches, 
skirmishes, and encampments along the Rappahannock and the 
Rapidau. 

Nov. 7, the regiment was detached from the second brigade, 
and sent forward in line of battle to strengthen the First ; and, on 
the 29th, joined the Second Corps, and again took the front. 

Dec. 3, the Seventh marched to Brandy Station, and pitched 



196 MASSACHUSETTS m THE REBELLION. 

tents on the same camping-ground left on the last Thanksgiving 
Day. 

Col. Johns, its last commander, has written an account of sub- 
sequent operations : — 

The regiment remained at Camp Sedgwick, which is near Brandy Station, Va., 
between the Rappahannock and Eapidan Rivers, performing the usual routine 
of camp and picket duty, until Feb. 27, 1864. On that day, we moved with 
the Sixth Corps to cover and support the cavalry movement in the direction 
of CharlottesvillQ, Va. ; marched fifteen miles, through Culpeper, towards 
Madison Court House, and bivouacked for the night near Jamestown, Va. ; 
and, the 28th, reached the south bank of Robertson's River, and took position 
in line of battle, where we remained until the night of March 1 in the midst 
of a severe rain and snow storm. The cavaliy having returned, wc recrossed 
the river, and bivouacked one mile from the north bank, the storm still continu- 
ing. The objects of the movement having been completed, March '1, mai-ched 
twenty-two miles back to our old camp near Brandy Station, and resumed 
camp-duties. Xothing unusual occurred until the night of May 3, when we 
received orders to break camp at three, a.m., the next morning, and hold 
ourselves in readiness to move. 

Wc started at four, a.m., May 4 ; marched fourteen miles, crossing the Rapi- 
dan about one o'clock, and bivouacked for the night four miles from the river. 
The day following, marched to the left, and took position on the left of the 
Third Corps. V/e formed in line of battle ; and about four, p.m. , the advance to 
attack was sounded, and the enemy was successfully engaged until dark, when 
we occupied the field, and slept on our arms for the night. Casualties in this 
engagement, eightj'-five. At daybreak we advanced again to the attack ; and 
continued to be engaged, with wavering success, during the greater portion of 
the day. The casualties this day were thirty-five. We bivouacked on the 
field for the nic-ht, and on the 7th were ordered to the right to resist a 
threatened attack of the enemy in that direction. We commenced throwing 
up rifle-pits, which were not occupied, and at dark moved through the Wil- 
derness to the left ; being on the march during the whole night. Eight 
miles on the road leading to Spottsylvania Court House, the enemy made 
a stand. We formed with the Sixth Corps in line of battle, and at dark 
charged on the enemy, who was in a strong position on elevated ground. 
Their line was broken, and the Seventh Massachusetts captured the color- 
standard, color-guard, and thirty-two men, of a Georgia regiment, losing but 
one man killed, four wounded, and two prisoners ; the latter having been 
recaptured while on the way to Richmond. We held the position gained, 
and bivouacked on the field. The next two days we were engaged in throw- 
ing up rifle-pits, with more or less firing on both sides. On the 11th, we were 
ordered to the front in skirmishdine, remaining on constant duty till the 
13th, when wc rejoined the main body, and rested until two, a.m., of the 
14th ; then marched five miles, and formed in line of battle on the left of the 
Fifth Corps. At dark, on the 17th, we marched all night towards the right 



ON CONSTANT DUTY. 197 

of the army, and at daybreak charged with our division on the enemy's works, 
which were not carried. The attempt was renewed : we were subjected to a 
severe artillery-fire until eleven, a.m. ; when we were ordered to retire, and fell 
back to our own ritle-pits. Towards dark, we moved farther back to the same 
position we left on the night of the 17th, crossed the Ni River, tln-ew out 
pickets, and bivouacked for the night. The casualties this day were six. 
Marched two miles to the left on the 19th, and threw up rifle-pits. 

In the evening of the 21st, at nine o'clock, we commenced a night-march 
of fifteen miles towards North Anna River ; crossed it, and threw up rifle- 
pits. On picket-duty, near Noel's Station, May 25. The -regiment, on the 
2Gth, was thrown on the extreme left, where the enemy was in formidable 
position. With other regiments, the Seventh covered the withdrawal of the 
Sixth Corps ; recrossed North Anna River, and thence over the Pamunkey, 
throwing up rifle-pits at Hanover Court House, on the 29th; and, the 31st, 
acting as pickets to cover movements from that position. 

June 1, we marched fifteen miles to Cold Harbor, which we reached at two, 
P.M. The enemy was found in position, and were immediately engaged by the 
Sixth Corps with success, and driven back ; we occupying the ground for the 
night. The Seventh was on constant duty at this point from this date until 
June 12 ; being engaged in several assaults by day and night, constantly 
exposed to the enemy's fire, and losing men daily. Having been reduced in 
numbers by the serious casualties of the campaign tlius far, the duties of the 
regiment were unusually arduous, the necessities of the position requiring almost 
constant duty in the front line. Tbe 13th, having marched twenty-five miles, 
we crossed the Chickahominy, and bivouacked for the night ; and, next day, 
marched four miles to near Charles-City Court House, where we saw the wa- 
ters of the James River. On the 15th, we bivouacked on the banks of the 
James. The term of three years' service of the vSeventh expiring this day, it 
was relieved from duty, and ordered to Massachusetts to be mustered out of 
service. In Special Order from division and brigade commanders, the regi- 
ment was thanked for the gallant and efficient service they had performed. 
On the morning of the 16th, it embarked from Wilson's Landing, James River, 
Va., in the despatch steamer " Keyport," for Washington ; and on the 17th, 
at six, P.M., took special train for New York. At Philadelphia, we met with a 
flattering reception and a hospitable entertainment, by the citizens, at the Sol- 
diers' Home. At New York, we were comfortably quartered and provided 
for at the Park barracks; and, on the evening of the 19th, took special 
train for Taunton, Mass., — the point at which the regiment was organ- 
ized three years ago. Reached Taunton, June 20 ; and the regiment was 
warmly welcomed back by the citizens, who turtfed out en masse. The men 
were furloughed until July 4, when they paraded, and assisted the citizens of 
Taunton in the celebration of the anniversary of our national independence. 

July 5, the regiment, which had lost in action and by disease sixty-five 
men, was formally mustered out of service, and the men were furnished trans- 
portation to their homes. 



CHAPTER YIIL 



NINTH AND TENTH REGIMENTS. 

Ninth Regiment. — Composition of the Regimout. — Col. Cass. — Roster of Oificers. — 
Movements in Virginia. — Peninsular Campaign. — March into Maryland. — Battle of 
Fredericksburg. — Chancellorsville. — Gettysburg. — Rappahannock Station. — Mine 
Run. — Wilderness. — Return Home. — Discharge. — Tenth Regiment. — Its Origin. — 
Its Roster of Officers. — In Maryland. — In Virginia. — At Yorktown. — Peninsular 
Campaign. — Antietam. — Fredericksburg. — St. Maiy's Heights. — At Gettysburg. — 
Pursuit of the Enemy. — Campaign of the Wilderness. — Crossing the James. — Before 
Petersbui'g. — Return Home. — Mustered out. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 

THE energetic and enthusiastic Col. Thomas Cass was the 
"life and soul" of the gallant Ninth, which was com. 
posed of Irishmen by birth or descent, almost to a man, accustomed 
to military drill. Among the first three-years' regiments, it be- 
came, by discipline and heroism, one of the most efficient that 
left the State for the seat of war. 

It was ordered into camp at Long Island, Boston Harbor, May 3, 
1861 ; from which place, some weeks later, it was transported in 
the steamer " Ben De Ford " to Washington. The brave Col. Cass 
fell, mortally wounded, before Richmond, in the battle of June 27, 
1862. He was succeeded in conunand by Col. Patrick R. Guiney, 
a brave and accomplished officer, who has furnished a brief nar- 
rative, which will follow this roll of officers : — 



Colonel . 
Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain 



Thomas Cass. 



Robert Peard. 
Patrick R. Guiaey. 
Peter Pineo. 
Patrick A. O'Connell. 
Thomas Scully. 

Upon arriving at Washington, June 29, we encamped about one mile 
from the city. Left this camp, July 2S; crossed the Potomac, and encamped 
on Arlington Heights, Va., where we remained until the 29th of September, 
when we left to participate in the grand forward movement of the Army of 
the Potomac, and arrived at Miner's HUl, Va. ; which place we occupied until 

198 



BATTLES OF GAINES'S MILLS, MALVERN HILL, ETC. 



199 



Mai-ch 10, 1862, when we marched to Fairfax Court House, where we re- 
mained one week. From thence we moved to Alexandria, and embarked 
for Fortress Monroe the latter part of this month, and encamped near 
Hampton. 

Our reo-iment formed a part of the reconnoissance toward Yorktown, driving 
the enemy from their works at Big Bethel. On the 4th of April, we ad- 
vanced to Yorktown, participating in the battle before that town the following 
day, also in the subsequent siege. On the evacuation of Yorktown by the 
enemy, the Ninth joined in the pursuit; arriving at Gaines's. Mills, on the 
Chickahominy, May 25. Formed a part of Gen. Fitz John Porter's corps 
at the battle of Hanover Court House, May 27. June 26, marched to 
Mechaniesville, and participated in the battle near that place. 

We remained in position during the night, and, the following morning, 
marched to, and fought the battle of, Gaines's Mills, alone ; losing, during 
the engagement, six killed, twenty wounded, and one missing. The same 
day (June 26), participated in the battle of the Chickahominy, where our 
loss amounted to fifty-two killed, a hundred and thirty wounded, and fifteen 
missing. The following morning, we crossed the Chickahominy, and biv- 
ouacked on the banks of the river ; where we remained till the following 
day, when we marched towards Malvern Hill. On the afternoon of July 1, 
we took an active part in the battle fought at that place ; our loss being 
eleven killed, a hundred and forty-seven wounded, and twenty-two missing. 
The following morning, we marched to Harrison's Landing, on the banks of 
the James River ; where we remained encamped until Aug. 14, 1862. From 
thence we marched down the Peninsula, arriving at Fortress Monroe after a 
march of five days. 

We reached Acquia Creek Aug. 21. Here we were transported by rail 
to Fredericksburg, where we encamped, and remained some two or three 
days. On the 24th of August, we marched to EUis's Ford, on the Rappa- 
hannock ; where we remained a few days only, then marched to Warrenton 
Junction. From thence we marched to Manassas, and were present at all 
the engagements near that place ; our loss being only five wounded. We 
marched from Manassas, via Vienna, to Chain Bridge, on the Potomac; 
whence we returned next day to our old camp-ground at Miner's Hill, after 
an absence of nearly six months. Left this camp Sept. 12, and marched to 
Frederick, Md., where we arrived the 14th inst. On the following day, we 
marched to Boonsborough, and were present at the battle of Antietam. The 
next day, we followed the retreating enemy to the banks of the Potomac, 
where we encamped. We were present at the battle of Botler's Mill ; also 
formed part of the reconnoissance towards Charlestown, Va., Oct. 22, under 
command of Gen. Humphrey ; loss, one wounded. On the 30th of October, 
marched to Harper's Ferry, Va. ; from thence to Snicker's Gap, where we 
remained three days. Nov. 5, we left Snicker's Gap, and marched to War- 
renton, where wc arrived Nov. 10. 



200 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The regiment left Warrenton Nov. 16, and encamped for a few 
days at Hartwood Church. Nov. 20, it moved to Fahnouth, and 
took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13. After the 
battle, the Ninth re-occupied its old camp at Falmouth until Dec. 
30, when it made a reconnoissance toward Kelley's Ford, march- 
ing fifty-four miles in thirty-one hours, and returning to camp 
much exhausted. 

April 27, 1863, the troops moved to Kelley's Ford ; crossed the 
Rappahannock, reaching the Rapidan on the 29th, and arrived at 
Chancellorsville on the 30th. The regiment participated in the 
engagement which took place there May 3 ; when it returned to 
Falmouth, where it remained, comparatively idle, until the com- 
mencement of the series of movements which culminated in the 
Gettysburg campaign. In the great battle and victory which so 
gloriously terminated this campaign, the Ninth participated, 
having been twice actively engaged with the enemy, although its 
principal duties on this field had been those of skirmishers. 

In the subsequent pursuit of the enemy, the regmient passed over South 
Mountain on the 8th of July, and continued the pursuit through Middle- 
town, Boonsborough, &c. ; and, after crossing the Antietam, the army took 
up a position. Afterwards we cautiously advanced on Williamsport, which 
we found evacuated. 

July 17, the regiment crossed the Potomac at Berlin, Md., and encamped 

at L ville, Va. ; and, notwithstanding the extraordinary fatigue the troops 

had undergone, — marching, skirmishing, fighting, almost unceasingly, — the 
men were never in better spirits. Tlie glorious success of Gettysbm-g, 
coming to them as it did after a series of terrible defeats, inspired them to 
endurance, and strengthened their hopes. 

The following day, they marched to Manassas Gap, and, July 
24, participated in the battle of Wapping Heights. The enemy 
were driven from their position there ; and the Ninth continued 
its march, reaching Warrenton on the 27th, wliere, after a brief 
encampment, it removed to Beverly Ford. From this position, 
Sept. 14, it changed to a point near Culpeper. Here, Oct. 13, it 
acted as rear-guard to the Fifth Corps while the army fell back, 
and then bivouacked at Warrenton. 

The Ninth next moved to Ceatreville and to the rear of Fairfax. 
After several heavy marches, the regiment again reached the 
Rappahannock, Nov. 7, and took part in the battle of Rappahan- 
nock Station. Nov. 19, the regiment crossed the river again at 
Kelley's Ford ; marched to and crossed the Rapidan ; and, advan- 



THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. ' 201 

cing nine miles to Robinson's Tavern, moved on to Mine Run, — a 
mile and a half farther, — and shared in the engagement at that 
place. Dec. 1, the regiment recrossed the Rapidan, and, Dec. 3, 
crossed to the north side of the Rappahannock, and -was detailed 
to do guard-duty at Bcalton, where it encamped. 

The Ninth left Bealton May 1, 1864, and advanced to Cul- 
peper Court House, where it rejoined the main body of the army. 
From that point a night's march was made, and the Rapidan was 
crossed at Germania Ford on the morning of May 4. The march 
was continued into the Wilderness to the point at which the battle 
of the Wilderness was fought, May 5, 6, and 7. Thence the regi- 
ment moved to Spottsylvania, the North and South Anna Rivers, 
Shady Grove, and up to Cold Harbor, near Richmond, partici- 
pating in the several battles of this unparalleled campaign. From 
Cold Harbor the Ninth was ordered home, having completed its 
term of service. The men whose term of service had "not expired 
were transferred to the Thirty-second Regiment. 

The losses of the Ninth in this its concluding campaign 
were, officers, six killed and fourteen wounded ; enlisted men, 
two hundred and thirty-eight killed and wounded. Major Mahan's 
narrative contains paragraphs which will make the foregoing more 
complete. In reference to the winter of 1864, he says, — 

The duties performed during these winter months were very arduous, and 
required the greatest vigilance, in consequence of the frequent raids of 
Mosby's guerilla-band, and also of the notorious company of "Black-horse 
Cavalry." The latter force consisted principally of the flower of Fauquier 
County, and was the first company of cavalry mustered into the service of the 
Confederate States. It took its name from the fact that its first captain rode 
a noble black charger ; and the company was always known, even prior to 
the war, as the "Black-horse Cavalry," and formed part of the Virginia 
militia. On the night of the 13th of January, 1864, this company made an 
attack on the guard stationed at headquarters of second brigade, first division, 
Fifth Corps, but were repulsed by Company F of the Ninth, commanded 
by Capt. O'Leary. 

Several other attempts to cut the railroad and burn the bridge 
at Licking Run were foiled by the determination of the guard 
detailed from the Ninth. 

It was the 10th of June when the regiment's service closed ; 
and it broke camp at daylight, and proceeded homeward vid 
Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. 

On the morning of the fifteenth day of June, the regiment ar- 
rived in Boston ; and the veterans met with a most cordial and 

26 



202 • MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

hearty reception. The Millburj'- company of State miHtia formed 
the escort, and twenty-three civic associations joined in the pro- 
cession. All the public buildings, and many private dwellings 
and stores, displayed the national colors, and were gayly decorated 
with bunting. A salute was fired on Boston Common by Capt. 
Cummings's Battery of Light Artillery, and at Faneuil Hall a 
splendid collation was served by the city of Boston. In the after- 
noon and evening, the regiment was entertained in a becoming 
manner by the Columbian Association. 



THE TENTH REGIMENT. 

The Tenth was raised in the five western counties of the State. 

Capt. Henry S. Briggs, who commanded one of the companies 
of the noble Eighth in April, was called to the colonelcy of the 
Tenth in the latter part of May. On the 31st of the month, the 
troops went into camp at Springfield, and subsequently at Med- 
ford. July 25, 18G1, they sailed for Washington in the steamers 
" Ben De Ford " and " S. R. Spaulding." 

Its officers were, — 

Colonel Henry S. Briggs. 

Lieutenant- Colonel .... Jeftbrd M. Decker. 

Major William Pi. Marsh. 

Surgeon Cyrus N. Chamberlain. 

Assistant Surgeon .... William Holbrook. 

Chaplain Frederic A. Barton. 

The regiment reached the Navy-yard at Washington, July 28, 
and, disembarking, marched to Kalorama Heights. A week later, 
the troops removed to a point five miles north of the capital, on 
the road to Rockville, where they were stationed, March 10, 1862, 
with the advance of the army towards Manassas. The regiment 
then marched to Prospect Hill,.Va., and, on the- 27th, sailed from 
Washington for Fortress Monroe, where it landed April 1, and 
went into camp five miles from Hampton. 

On the 5th, the troops engaged in the siege of Yorktown, and, 
on May 3, joined in the pursuit of the enemy ta Williams- 
burg. On the evening of the 5th, they entered the battle-field 
there in time to support the right wing during the closing scenes 
of the contest. The 8th found them on the enemy's track up 
the Peninsula. On the 28th, they reached Savage's Station. 
The attack on Gen. Casey's advanced division was made by the 



THE TENTH AT MALVERN HILL. 203 

rebels ou the 31st, forcing it back, and bringing the burden of 
resistance upon Gen. Couch's division. 

The Tenth was in the smoke of battle the entire afternoon, 
breasting the unequal tide like a rock amid the waves. 

June 25, the troops were again in the fight, supporting the 
advance on the left, just before the retreat to Harrison's Landing. 

In the terrific battle at Malvern Hill, the Tenth Massachu- 
setts, with the Thirty-sixth New-York, fell with resistless force 
upon a brigade of North-Carolina troops, and came out of the 
bloody contest leaving only the fragments of columns behind. 

On the IGth of August, the retreat from Harrison's Landing- 
was commenced; and, twelve days afterwards, the army embarked 
at Yorktown for Alexandria. 

On the 2d of September, the Tenth moved to Chain Bridge, 
and, on the 3d, crossed into Maryland, and entered upon the cam- 
paign in that State. On the IGtli, the regiment was at Pleasant 
Valley ; on the ITtli, at Harper's Ferry ; and, on the night of that 
day, encamped near the battle-field of Antietam. The next morn- 
ing, the troops were in front ; but the conflict was not renewed. 
The shattered columns of Gen. Lee were now hastening to place 
the Potomac between themselves and the victorious legions of 
Gen. McClellan. The latter, in pursuit, reached Williamsport 
on the 20th. From this date, until the 26th of October, they 
remained comparatively inactive. 

On the 31st, the Tenth crossed the Potomac into Virginia ; 
reached New Baltimore, near Warrenton, on the 2d of Novem- 
ber, and the camp at Stafford Court House on the 18th. This 
regiment behaved bravely at the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 
11, having crossed the Rappahannock at sundown, two miles 
below the city. It was followed by the Second Rhode-Island as 
skirmishers, with the Thirty-sixth New- York on one bridge, and 
the Seventh and Thirty-seventh Massachusetts on the other. 
Gen. Devens was in command of the brigade composed of these 
five regiments, and held the south bank of the river until morn- 
ing. Although not in the fight, the regiment performed a harder 
task, which was to stand firm under a heavy artillery-fire. Antici- 
pating the renewal of hostilities, on the 15th, the regiment stood 
in the front line ; but, instead of engaging the enemy, it became 
its duty to cover the retreat of the array, and was thus the last 
regiment to recross the river, encamping in a pine-thicket two 
miles from Falmouth. 

Jan. 20, another advance was attempted. The troops broke 



204 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

camp, and approached the river ; but the inclemency of the 
weather, and the intolerable condition of the roads, soon termi- 
nated this expedition, and sent the troops back to their camps. 

April 28, they were again on the banks of the Rappahannock. 
Crossing over on the 1st and 2d of May with other troops, the 
Tenth made a detour to the right of Fredericksburg to attract 
the attention of the foe to that quarter, and from the point of 
assault. This was carried ; and the Tenth, with the loss of sixteen 
men, joined the brigade on St. Mary's Heights. It advanced to Sa- 
lem Heights, the position of the rebels, and had a hot engagement 
with them, in which the commander was severely wounded ; Col. 
Eustis, of the Tenth, taking his place at tlie head of the brigade. 

May 5, the Tenth prepared to encamp near the previous winter- 
quarters. 

June 10, the regiment crossed the Rappahanno.ck to relieve the 
skirmish-line. On the 13th, it evacuated the south bank of the 
river ; and, on the 14th, marched to Stafford Court House. After 
a series of daily, fatiguing marches, the Tenth reached Gettys- 
burg on the afternoon of July 2, and moved at once to tlie first 
line of battle. July 3, it was in reserve, and marched from point 
to point to strengthen the weak parts of the line ; at one time 
passing under the concentrated fire of over a hundred pieces of 
rebel cannon. 

On the memorable 4th, the regiment was on skirmish-line ; and 
an the 5th, pursuing the flying rebels, overtook them near Hagers- 
town; and, continuing the pursuit, reached Williamsport the next 
morning, after the rebel rear-guard had disappeared across the 
Potomac. 

On the lOtli, the troops crossed the river, and, on the 2oth, had 
advanced again as far as Warrenton, Va. Their stay here was 
short. The two or three months following were without any 
specially noteworthy incidents ; but, on the 7th of November, the 
Tenth was engaged as support in the battle of Rappahannock Sta- 
tion. On the 26th, it crossed the Rapidan at Jacob's Ford ; and 
after eight days' campaigning in the Wilderness, involving hard 
marching and severe exposure, the Tenth was put on picket 
Dec. 1, and left to cover the retreat of the army. On the 2d, it 
was withdrawn ; and, recrossing the Rapidan before sunrise, was 
again in camp, at Brandy Station, before noon of the 3d. 

Fatigue, picket-duty, and drills were the variety in camp-life 
till the 27th of February, 1864. During the time, about one- 
fourth of the regiment re-enlisted, and were furlouglied for thirty 
days. 



THE BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS. 205 

Feb. 28, the regiment marched by CulpQper and Thorongh- 
fare Mountain to Robertson's River ; and, May 4, moved, with 
tlie Army of the Potomac, across the Rapidan, " bivouacking 
for the night on the south bank, whicli was the only sound night's 
rest the regiment enjoyed till it was relieved ; its term of service 
having expired." 

Marching and counternaarching, rifle-pits and picket, indicate 
the hard work accomplished. 

May 5, the Tenth was fairly in the Wilderness, followed by 
skirmishing to cover Gen. Eustis's front, and then fierce battle. 
Writes the gallant colonel, — 

Men fell like leaves in autumn; yet the regiment stood firm, never wavered, 
till, the ammunition being expended, it was promptly relieved by Lieut. -Col. 
Harlow and the Seventh Massachusetts. Would I could sound a note to his 
(Harlow's) praise, than whom none is more worthy ! We suffered here a 
loss of one hundred and fifteen, or more than one-third, in killed and wounded. 
There the brave and gallant First Lieut. Ashley, commanding Company I, 
was shot through the head, and instantly killed ; and Lieut. Midgly, a most 
worthy officer, fell mortally wounded. We fell back over the crest of a hill 
and supplied ourselves with ammunition, took our position for the night, and, 
as we held the ground, cared for our wounded. 

Moving on the enemy at daylight next morning, the Tenth 
repeated the heroic fighting of the preceding day ; and, indeed, 
the same sanguinary valor distinguished the regiment through all 
the dreadful days of the Wilderness, and beyond it. 

Of the conflict which followed the attempt of the rebels to 
regain the ground from which Hancock in his charge, sup- 
ported by the Tenth, had driven them on the 11th, Lieut.-Col. 
Parsons says, — 

The battle of the 12th of IMay was one of the severest and closest the regi- 
ment was ever engaged in. The rebels seemed determined to retake the posi- 
tion at whatever cost ; and for twenty-four hours there was one continuous roar 
of musketry. The right of the Tenth was in close proximity to the rebel left, 
and fighting over the same works. The muskets of the rebels were knocked 
aside by the men, and, in some instances, wrenched from the hands of the 
rebels. JMany examples of bravery were displayed in this fight ; but it would 
be invidious to mention any, and not all. It was here that Major Parker, 
Capt. J. H. Weatherill, and First Lieut. A. E. Munyan, ofiicers distinguished 
for bravery and gallant conduct on many a hard-fought field, were mortally 
wounded. Capts. Knights and Johnson, and Lieut. Eaton, were severely 
wounded, and many brave men were killed and wounded, in the fight of the 
12th ; and to mention all who creditably acquitted themselves would be to 



206 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

publish tlie names of all who were present. ^ A heavy rain was falling all day, 
and all day and all night was the regiment kept under fire. Early on the 
morning of the 13th, the enemy gave up the attempt to retake the works ; and 
we were relieved, and ordered to the rear. The battle-field at this point, 
directly in front of the ground occupied by the Tenth, beggars description. 
The dead and wounded of the enemy were literally piled in together, three, 
four, and five deep, showing conclusively that the ammunition which had 
been expended during the previous twenty-four hours had not been in vain. 
The loss of the enemy at this point was far greater than our own. 

A brisk engagement between the enemy and the fourth Ijrigade 
took place on the 18th, of the casualties of which Lieut.-Col. Par- 
sons says, — 

We suffered the loss of Lieut. Bartlett, — ever noted for brave and gallant 
conduct, — who was shot through the head, and instantly killed. Also Capts. 
Bigelow and Pierce, and Lieut. Cotterill, were among the wounded. Sergts. 
Paul, Abbott, and Corp. Harger, were among the number who fell to-day, — 
men of indomitable pluck, heroes in every sense of the word, full of patriotism, 
and fully competent to command. We mourn the loss of many such, who 
fell with their breasts to the foe on the battle-fields of Virginia. 

On the 24th of May, the North Anna River was crossed, and, on 
the 28th, the Pamunkey. From Hanover Court House, a recon- 
noissance to Peak's Station, on the Central Virginia Railroad, was 
made on the 30th ; the Tenth being m advance. This was followed 
by a forced march to Coal Harbor next day, and the battle at that 
point. 

From that time until the 19th of June, the regiment was on 
the march, and under fire; crossing the Chickahominy on the 
13th, and the James on the 16th, at dusk, on a pontoon-bridge. 
Marching all night and the day following, the regiment reached 
a position within two and a half miles of Petersburg, and was 
ordered out at ten o'clock the same night to support a picket. 
The 18th was spent in skirmishing, in carrying a line of rifle- 
pits, and in throwing up others under cover of darkness. The 
Tenth was relieved the next evening, and encamped near corps 
headquarters. 

The next morning, as we were waiting to receive the order to report in 
Massachusetts, the enemy opened a battery of twenty-pound guns from the 
opposite bank of the Appomattox, and shelled the regiment very vigorously 
for some time. Sergeant-Major George F. PoUey was struck with one of 
these missiles, and almost instantly killed. The death of Policy cast a gloom 
over the whole of the homeward trip, commenced that day. By his gallant 



THE TENTH HOME AGAIN. 207 

conduct and fearlessness, he had become a favorite with the whole regiment. 
When such men are called to give up their lives, wc are forcibly reminded of 
the immense sacrifice this struggle costs us. We buried Policy at City 
Point, June 21, and took the mail-boat for Washington, arriving there the 
22d ; and, after numerous delays, reached Springfield on the 25th of June, 
where a cheering and enthusiastic reception awaited the return of the vet- 
erans of many a hard-fought field. 

The regiment formed at the depot, and marched down Main Street to Court 
Square. The street was lined with the national colors, and cheer upon cheer 
i-ent the air. 

It was welcomed back by the Mayor in a neat and appropriate speech, 
which was acknowledged ; and the thanks of the regiment were tendered to all 
who were present to bid it welcome, by the commanding officers. The regi- 
ment was then marched into City Hall, and partook of a bountiful collation 
prepared by the citizens of Springfield. During the festival, we were enter- 
tained with patriotic songs sung by some fifty misses, to the great delight of 
all present. 

The regiment was then furloughed until the 8th of July, when it was 
mustered out. Thus, after three years' and fifteen days' service, the Old 
Tenth passed into history, and its members returned to the rights of 
citizenship. 



CHAPTER IX. 

ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH REGIMENTS. 

Eleventh. — Roster of Officers. — At Washington. — Resignation of Coh Clark. — At 
Yorktown. — Battles of the Peninsula. — Bull Run and Bristow Station. — Chan- 
cellorsville. — March to Gettysburg. — Lieut.-Col. Tripp's Report. — Wilderness. — 
Cold Harbor. — James River. — Petersburg. — Death of Col. Blaisdell. — Twelfth 
Regiment. — Organization. — At Sandy Hook, Md. — In the Shenandoah Valley. — 
Death of Col. Webster. — Battle of South ]\Iountain. — Fredericksburg. — Gettys- 
burg. — Jline Run. — Gen. Grant's "On to Richmond." — Return Home. — Mus- 
tered out. 

THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 

THIS regiment was raised in the vicinity of Boston, and ordered 
to Fort Warren, May 4, 1861 ; where it was organized on the 
9th, and sworn into the service of the United States June 13. 
The officers of tlie orscanization were as follow : — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant- Colonel 

Major 

Surgeon 

Assiftant Surgeon 

Chaplain 



George Clark, jun. 
William Blaisdell. 
George F. Tileston. 
Luther V Bell. 
Dr. John W. Foye. 
Elisha F. Watson. 



June 15, the regiment went to Camp Cameron, and, on the 
24th, started for Washington ; reaching the capital on the 3d of 
July. On the 14th, it was marched to Alexandria, and thence, on 
the 21st, to Bull Run, and participated in the conflict there. From 
that disastrous sabbath's work, the regiment returned to Camp 
Wilson, at Alexandria. Aug. 10, it removed to Bladensburg, 
Md. ; aud from thence, Oct. 27, to Budd's Ferry. Meanwhile, Col. 
George Clark, who had originally raised the regiment, was com- 
pelled, Oct. 11, by reason of ill health, to resign, and was suc- 
ceeded by Lieut.-Col. Blaisdell. During the winter, the regiment 
performed picket-duty as a part of first brigade. Hooker's divi- 
sion, along the banks of the Potomac, and in front of the rebel 

208 



THE BATTLES BEFORE RICHMOND. 209 

itattcries at Shipping Point, Va. No part of the soldier's service 
involves more exposure or requires more fortitude than the picket- 
line. 

April 5, the Eleventh embarked for the Peninsula, and, on the 
12th5 encamped at Yorktown, and were again assigned to picket- 
service. On the 26th, the men of the Eleventh dashed upon and 
took a rebel lunette, and, on the 4th of May, entered the enemy's 
breastworks. Next day, they engaged the enemy at Williams- 
burg, and were the admiration of the army. To express the 
grateful appreciation of the Commonwealth, the Governor ordered 
a new State color for tiic regiment, to be forwarded with his 
congratulations. The annexed tells the rest of the pleasant 
story : — 

Adjutant-Gexeral's Office, Boston, May 19, 1862. 
CoI.Blaisdell, ^/even^A Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. 

Colonel, — It makes every Massachusetts man feel prouder than ever of the 
old Commonwealth as he reads of the brave deeds of our Massachusetts 
regiments. 

The conduct of the Eleventh Regiment at the battle of Williamsburg was 
gallant in the extreme ; and his Excellency Gov. Andrew tenders to your- 
self, your officers, and your men, his warmest congratulations, and his sincere 
thanks for their bravery and good conduct on that terrible day. 

As a small recognition of their valor, his Excellency has ordered a new 
regimental color to be made, and forwarded to the regiment. 
Respectfully yours, 

WILLIAM SCHOULER, Adjutant-Gentral 

The colors were sent on in July last ; and the old ones which have been 
borne so bravely in ten hard-fouglit fields were returned, and are now depos- 
ited in the State House. 

Marches, with the interludes of encampments, brought the regi- 
ment to Fair Oaks, June 3, to perform picket-duty, work on the 
intrenchments, &c. The troops were engaged in the battle of 
the 25th, in the action at Savage's Station, in that at Glendale on 
the oOth, and at Malvern Hill July 1 ; encamping in the evening 
of that day at Harrison's Landing. On their return march, the 
troops reached Yorktown on the 15th of August, embarked for 
Alexandria, and thence advanced again as far as Warrcnton 
Junction. On the 2 3th, they went to the l>attle-fields of Bristow 
Station and Bull Run ; returning to Alexandria, Sept. 3, to be 
employed on the defences of Washington. 



210 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Nov. 1, tlie Eleventh again took up the line of march to join 
Col. Blaisdell's brigade at Warrenton Junction. On the 28th of 
November, it went into camp at Falmouth, and, after twelve days' 
rest, marched to the Rappahannock, crossed over on the 12th of 
December, and was detailed to guard the pontoon-bridge at 
Franklin's Crossing ; ordered to the front on the 13th, but was 
not actively engaged in the battle, and moved back to camp again 
on the 16th. 

Military life here was devoid of any unusual interest until Feb. 5, 
1863, when the regiment was ordered to support a cavalry force 
sent to destroy a bridge over the river. April 29, it crossed the 
river, and reported to Gen. Hancock. On the 2d and 3d of May, 
the regiment at Chancellorsville had severe but successful engage- 
ments with the enemy, and, for its gallantry in repulsing him, 
received the thanks of Gen. Hancock. Returning to camp at 
Falmouth, the regiment remained there until the lltli of June, 
when it started on the Gettysburg campaign, reaching the battle- 
field at that place, July 1. In the battles of the 2d and 3d with the 
rebel invaders, few regiments suffered more than the Eleventh, in 
proportion to the whole number of men engaged. 

In pursuit of the enemy, the regiment again crossed the 
Potomac, July 15. At Manassas, July 23, preparations were 
made to attack the enemy in force ; but, during the night, he 
evacuated the position. 

The Eleventh reached Beverly Ford, Aug. 1, furnishing de- 
tails of pickets until the 15th of September ; when it commenced 
the march towards Culpeper, which it reached on the 17th, and 
encamped. On the 8th of October, it was ordered to James City to 
support Kilpatrick's cavalry ; had frequent skirmishes with the ene- 
my, and, after a series of marches, encamped at Catlett's Station, 
Oct. 21. Tlie next six weeks were consumed by marches between 
this point and Mine Run. Nov. 27, encountering the enemy at 
Locust Grove, a sharp engagement took place. At dark, the divi- 
sion was relieved by the third division, Sixth Corps. 

Lieut.-Col. Tripp says, — 

We were ordered to report to Geu. Warren on the Plank-road, at two 
o'clock, A.M., the same night we arrived. We reported at four, a.m., formed 
a line of battle in front of the enemy's works, and were ordered to charge 
them. The project, however, was abandoned. On the morning of Dec. 1, 
we were ordered to join Gen. Gregg's cavalry division, and act as rear-guard 
on the Plank-road. 



THE BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS. 211 

We performed this duty, and crossed the river on our way back to camp, 
Dec. 2, 1863. Reached camp Dec. 3, and at once prepared for winter- 
quarters. 

The regiment performed picket and other service near Brandy 
Station from this date until May 3, 18l)4, when, breaking camp, 
it marched by the old battle-field of Chancellorsville to the Wil- 
derness, where, about four o'clock, p.m., of the 5th, the enemy 
was met advancing in hne of battle. The conflict at once opened, 
and raged until dark, only to be renewed the next day, and to 
contmue until one, p.m., wlien the flank of the Eleventh was 
turned by the rebels, and it fell back to a line of breastworks. 
Here the foe in heavy force made another assault on our columns, 
and was repulsed with severe loss. The regiment remained in 
the vicinity, on picket-duty and protecting supply-trains, until the 
10th, when it took up a position in front of the enemy, a short 
distance to the right of Spottsylvania. Here a fruitless attempt 
was made to charge across a swamp, and take the enemy's works. 
Two days later (the 12th), the regiment shared in a general charge 
upon the rebel intrenchments. One line of these was carried, and six 
thousand prisoners taken. The line of works captured from the 
enemy was soon reversed, and a bloody contest was waged until 

dark. 

On the 21st, the regiment was strengthened by the addition of 
forty-five veterans and recruits from the First Regiment of Massa- 
chusetts Volunteers ; tlie term of service of that regiment having 

expired. 

The march to Coal Harbor was attended with skirmishing and 
a few casualties. June 12, the term of enlistment of fourteen 
officers and two hundred and ninety enlisted men expired, and 
they left the front for Boston. The eight remaining commissioned 
officers, and three hundred and thirty enlisted men, were organ- 
ized into a battalion of five companies, and immediately com- 
menced its march towards the James River. On the night of the 
loth, it bivouacked within two miles of Petersburg. 

At sunrise next morning, the summer air was rent with the 
screaming shell and shot. The men of the Eleventh were ex- 
posed for half an hour to the fire, standing in the open field 
without the least protection.' This receiving fire when nothing 
can be done but watch the fearful missiles is most trying to the 
nerves of troops. 

Skirmishing and picket-duty followed until the 2Tth, wlicn the 



212 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

command moved into the works abandoned by the Sixth Corps, 
which had gone to support cavalry at Ream's Station, on the Weir 
don Raih'oad. Just previously to this, Col. Blaisdell, of this bat- 
talion, was killed while in command of the Corcoran Legion. 

After an addition of two companies from the Massachusetts 
Sixteenth, the battalion marched to a reserve camp in the rear, 
where it was employed in various duties until the 26th of July. 
Marcliing was renewed, with the variety, however, of mus- 
ketry, shelling, and artillery fire, and relieving the Eighteenth 
Corps in front of Petersburg. On the 29th, the battalion returned 
to camp. Aug. 12, it was at Deep Bottom, and, on the l(3th, was 
detached to make a demonstration and learn the enemy's position, 
and again compelled to stand in an exposed condition until the 
object of the movement was accomplished. 

Two days later, the battalion proceeded by way of Bermuda 
Hundred to the position held by the Ninth Corps, and were once 
more under fire. From the middle of August to the middle of 
December, the battalion was moving about as reserve, furnishing 
men for fatigue and picket dut}' in battle, and assisting in the 
destruction of the Weldon Railroad. 

Jan. 1, 1865, the battalion lay in the works in front of Peters- 
burg, Va,, Until Feb. 5, when it took part in a movement designed 
to extend the lines. 

It assisted in the construction of a line of works until the 
closing campaign was commenced. March 29, the regiment made 
a gallant charge on the enemy's line of works, and a number of 
men, becoming separated from the rest, — tliough they drove the 
enemy from a portion of his works, — were at length overpowered 
by superior numbers, and compelled to surrender. 

During the pursuit of the enemy, the regiment took an active 
part in the capture of the enemy's trains, and munitions of war, 
and was in the advance when the formal surrender of the Army 
of Northern Virginia took place. 

The regiment moved with tiie I'est of the army to the vicinity 
of Washington, D.C., at the close of the campaign, and performed 
light duty until orders were received for its discharge at Read- 
ville, Mass. ; to which place it was transported on the 13th of July, 
and discharged July 14. 




^EM ceo C STBO^ 






cen. X J c ftWvoP~' 



BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN. 213 

THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 

Of this regiment, Companies A, B, C, D, and E were recruited 
in Boston ; F, in Nortli Bridgewater ; G, in Abington ; H, in 
Weymouth ; I, in Stoughton ; and K, in Gloucester. The whole 
number of troops was a thousand and forty. On the 26th of Jmie, 
tliey were mustered into the service of the United States, at Fort 
Warren, witli the following officers in command: — 

Col. Fletcher Webster, son of the Hon. Daniel Webster, com- 
manded the regiment until he was killed at the battle of Bull 
Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 

Lieutenant- Colonel .... Timothy M. Bryan. 

Major ....... Elisha M. Burbank. 

Surgeon ...... Jedediah H. Baxter. 

Assistant Surgeon .... John McLean Hayward. 

Chaplain Edward L. Clark. 

The regiment left Boston, July 23, 1861 ; and, four days later, 
went into camp at Sandy Hook, Md. Marching thence by way of 
Monocacy River, the men went into winter-quarters at Frederick, 
Md. Feb. 27, the regiment moved to Shenandoah City, Va. 
Willi the opening of spring, the Twelfth commenced a succession 
of marches through the Shenandoah Valley, which continued 
until early in August. On the 9th, the troops were in the battle 
of Cedar Mountain, where Capt. N. B. Shurtleff, jun., was killed. 
On the 20th, tliey were again engaged in the action at the Rap- 
pahannock, and, on the oOth, in the battle at Grovetown, near 
Bull Run. In this severe engagement, besides Col. Webster, 
there were killed, Capt. Kimball, ten enlisted men, and a hun- 
dred and thirty-five wounded and missing. The regiment then 
retreated to Centreville ; which place it reached on the following 
day. 

Sept. 14, it was in the battle of South Mountain, and, at five 
o'clock on the morning of the 17th, engaged the enemy at Keedys- 
ville ; but at nine, a.m., was ordered to leave the field. It retired 
in good order, having lost, out of three hundred and twenty-five 
men, forty-seven killed and one hundred and sixty-six wounded, 
a number of them mortally. 

The remnant, however, brought from the field their regimental 
colors, and, after supporting a battery, reached their brigade, and 
joined in the pursuit of the enemy across the river. 

Sept. 23, Capt. James L. Bates, an officer of much merit, 



214 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

was commissioned colonel, and took command of the regiment. 
Nov. 8, the troops reached Rappahannock Station, and went into 
camp. At the battle of PredericksbTirg, the Twelfth was in 
Gibbon's division, Col. Lyle's brigade, and held the right of the 
second line. 

The position of this regiment was taken at nine o'clock, a.m. The enemy 
were hidden from view by a thick wood. Our men remained lying down 
until one o'clock, p.m., under a brisk fire of shot and shell ; the skirmishers 
being hotly engaged, and the balls of the enemy passing over us. 

During these four hours, there was but one man of this regiment injured. 
At one o'clock, the signal to advance was given to the whole division, and 
immediately obeyed. A heavy fire of musketry broke from the whole line 
of woods in our fi-ont. Gen. Taylor's brigade stood the fire some thii'ty 
minutes, when the brigade in which was this regiment was ordered to relieve 
them. As they advanced, they became separated from the brigade by the 
retiring regiments of the third brigade, and continued to advance independ- 
ently, taking a position, and firing until their ammunition began to fail. 
Their brigade had fallen to the rear ; and they were alone until the third line 
came forward. Their solid ranks broke to the right of this line, which 
opened to the right and left to get to the front, where it was quickly 
forSaed. The Twelfth Regiment followed the one in their front — the Six- 
teenth Maine — a short distance, and, being out of ammunition, were about 
to join their brigade in the rear, when they were ordered by Gen. Taylor to 
prepare for a charge. The colonel thereupon gave the command to fix 
bayonets, filed to the right of the brigade, and charged with them into 
the wood in their front. About two hundred of the enemy rushed through 
our lines, and gave themselves up as prisoners of war. We carried the posi- 
tion, and remained some twenty minutes, expecting support ; but none was 
in sight : and the men were constantly falling before the fatal fire of an unseen 
enemy. Capts. Ripley, Reed, Packard, and Clark, were wounded, and a 
hundred of the men had fallen. After consulting with the officers, the 
colonel gave the order to about-face ; and they fell back, slowly and reluc- 
tantly, in very good order, bearing their tattered banners with them to their 
brigade. After reaching the position to which they were oi-dered to fall back, 
they were supplied with ammunition and rations. They remained under 
arms during the night, and, early on the morning of the 14th, were ordered" 
to another position, where they remained until the night of the 15th, when 
they recrossed the river to Falmouth with their corps. 

During the battle, the Twelfth was under fire six hours ; and its loss was 
chiefly sustained during the last two hours. In that time, its loss was a hun- 
dred and five men out of two hundred and fifty-eight who went into the 
action. 

The regiment now became attached to the second brigade, 
second division. First Army Corps. Soon after the withdrawal 



BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS. 215 

of the army from the south side of the Rappahannock, which fol- 
lowed the late battle, the Twelfth marched to Belle Plain, Va., 
and 'commenced at once, near Fletcher's Chapel, building a log- 
city for winter-quarters. 

Respecting tlie winter and early spring of 1863, au officer 

writes : — 

We remained in this camp until the 20tb of January, 1863 ; when we 
moved out with the division, and started towards the Rappahannock, taking 
the du-ection of Banks's Ford. Marching all day, and far into the night, we 
reached a point on the river road, about four miles from the ford, where the 
regiment bivouacked for tlie night in a ploughed Held. Soon after the halt, 
it commenced raining; and the night proved one of the most uncomfortable 
that it has ever been our luck to experience. By morning, the whole country 
around us was a sea of mud ; but we moved forward about two miles towards 
the river, and again bivouacked in an oak-wood, where we remained until the 
morning of the'23d, when we were ordered to return to our old camp at 
Belle Plain, which we reached that evening, and resumed the usual routine 
of camp and picket duty, which was continued until the 28th of April, when 
'we again broke camp to participate in the affair before Fredericksburg and at 
Chancellorsville. 

At this time, the Twelfth' was five miles from Fredericksburg. Remaining 
there until May 2, a march of sixteen miles was made to the United-States 
Ford, where th'e columns crossed in the deepening darkness, and entered the 
Wilderness, with their faces toward the front. It was a toUsome midnight 
passage through the woods. The regiment was immediately deployed as 
skirmtshers, and sent forward a mile into a dense forest, cut up with ravines, 
and crossed by narrow streams. Within less than twenty-four hours of duty, 
a hundred and one prisoners, including two commissioned officers, were 
taken. The next night was devoted to the construction of rifle-pits by the 
roadside ; the deep silence echoing to the blows of a hundred strong arms 
cutting down trees to strengthen the position in front. With other troops, 
the Twelfth made a reconnoissance on the 4th to the right, in front of our 
line, to Ely's Ford. May 6, the march was renewed, encamping on the 7th 
four miles below Fredericksburg. On the 12th, the regiment broke camp, 
and on the 13th reached Bealton Station, and, the next afternoon, arrived at 
Manassas Junction. During the remainder of the month, it was almost con- 
stantly on the march, and, on the morning of July 1, came within sound of 
the cannon at Gettysburg. After a few moments' rest, awaiting orders, the 
second brigade advanced through the town, and, crossing a field, took position 
on the right of the Ime of the first division, but forming a right angle with 

that line. 

The enemy making a demonstration on our left flank, the brigade rapidly 
changed front forward on its left, and occupied the crest of the hill; and, each 
regunent opening fire as soon as in position, the whole line was soon engaged. 



216 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The position of the regimeut was near the right, between the Ninetieth 
Pennsylvania and Eighty-third New- York. A second change of front by 
the regiment enabled it to deliver a destructive enfilading fire into the 
advancing lines of the enemy, at short range, while the troops on its left 
received them with a steady and rapid fire in front. 

This soon brought, the enemy to show the white flag, and to cease their 
fire ; and the rapid change of part of the brigade resulted in the capture of 
some four hundred prisoners. 

The enemy were now observed bringing up heavy re-enforcements against 
our front, and advancing a brigade against our right ; making another change 
of front of a part of the line necessary, to prevent our right being turned. 
This was quickly and handsomely done by the two right regiments (Ninetieth 
Pennsylvania and Twelfth Massachusetts) , and we were thus enabled to hold 
our ground against a vastly superior force for more than an hour. The 
enemy in the mean time were deploying troops, and overlapping our right. 
Our ammunition was nearly all expended, and our situation was indeed 
critical ; when the first brigade, coming up, formed on our right, giving us an 
opportunity to withdraw to the rear of their line, and enjoy a few moments' 
rest. 

The brigade was once more marched to the crest of the hill, a little to the' 
left of their former position, and ordered to hold it with fixed bayonets against 
assault. It remained in this position, u.ntil, the right of the line giving way, 
and exposing its flank, it was ordered to fall back to Cemetery Hill, on the 
opposite side of the town. 

On the morning of the 2d, the division was relieved from the front line 
by Gen. Hays's division, of the Third Corps; and, during that and the next 
day, was used as a reserve for the Second and Eleventh Corps. On the after- 
noon of the 3d, when the last attack was made on the Second Corps, it was 
ordered to that point, and arrived just in time to witness the repulse of the 
enemy. 

July 6, the Twelfth left the battle-field, and joined in the pur- 
suit of Gen. Lee's retreating columns. From this date until 
Oct. 26, nothing of unusual interest transpired. The army then 
crossed the Rapidan, and, on the 2Sth, advanced in line of battle 
to Mine Run, on the opposite side of which the enemy were in 
force. In that position the regiment remained until Dec. 1, when 
it rccrossed the Rapidan, and went into camp on the south side 
of the Rappahannock, about one mile from Kelley's Ford. It 
remahied here until May 3, 1864 ; when, with the army under 
Gen. Grant, it began the advance toward Richmond. On the 4th, 
at noon, it crossed the Rapidan, advanced twenty-one miles, and 
bivouacked. 

It advanced next day at half-past six, a.m. ; and at seven, p.m., 



THE BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS. 217 

encountered the enemy in the dense woods of the Wilderness, 
and had a fierce battle, which lasted until darkness compelled the 
combatants to retire. In this battle, Lieut.-Col. Allen was killed. 
Next morning, the fight was renewed, during which the patriotic 
and chivalrous Gen. James Wadsworth fell. For several suc- 
cessive days, the Twelfth was either fighting in the dense thickets 
of the Wilderness, lying in rifle-pits for weary hours, or grand- 
ly charging the enemy, or on the march. Col.,' Bates com- 
manded the regiment until the 18th of May, when he was placed 
at t!ic head of the second brigade, second division, Fifth Corps. 
This brigade, which included the Twelfth, made a most important 
reconnoissance on the 22d. The fact being discovered that Long- 
street and Ewell had passed to the southward during the night 
changed the movements of the whole army. For this reconnois- 
sance the brigade was complimented in General Orders. Tlie 
brigade crossed the North Anna on the 2Dd, and was opened 
upon very heavily about sundown, by the rebels, with artillery. 
The men were ordered to lie down ; and then, for nearly an hour, 
the iron hail fell among the brave boys, who could only nerve 
themselves for the terrible suspense between life and threatened 
death. It seems a miracle that only one man (Private Chase) of 
the Twelfth was injured. 

The rest of May, and half of June, was spent in marching and 
counter-marching, in skirmishing and in battle-line, now on the 
banks of the North Anna or Pamunkey, and then in White-oak 
Swamp. The troops reached the James River June 16. 

Col. Bates, in the closing of his report, says, — 

The ITth was ushered in by the firing of cannon and musketry in our 
front. Marched towards Petersburg, the Ninth Corps heavily engaged ; our 
corps, the Fifth, supporting them. On the 18th, very early on the march to 
the front. Passed over the battle-field of last night, which was strewed with 
the dead of friend and foe ; formed line, and began to intrench. Ordered by 
Gen. Crawford to take the lead, and advance. Sent the Twelfth as skirmishers 
to drive the enemy from the railroad, where they were covered. This was 
performed, under IMajor Cook, in gallant style : the enemy retreated across 
a creek to their intrenehments. Ordered to charge the works of the enemy, 
in conjunction with Gen. Griffin's division on my left, and the Ninth Corps 
on my right. Advanced simultaneously with Gen. Griffin ; but the Ninth 
Corps did not move : the enemy opened upon us with grape and musketry. 
Advanced to a point about a hundred yards from the works of the enemy, 
and halted; the men lying down to escape the terrific fire before us. During 
the night, intrenched in this position ; established a lihe of skirmishers here, 

28 



218 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

and was ordered back a short distance to intrench. The new line was about 
five hundred yards from the line of the enemy. Loss in the brigade, very 
heavy. The Twelfth and Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania occupied the line of 
skirmishers as sharpshooters, keeping the enemy very closely confiued to their 
works. 

June 25, the term of service of the Twelfth Regiment Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers expired. I returned to the command of my regiment, which was 
ordered to City Point for embarkation, and turned over the men whose terms 
of service had not expired to the Thirty-ninth Regiment Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers. Having made the transfer, marched for City Point at three, p.m. 

The regiment was safely transported to Boston, where it was mustered out 
of the service of the United States, July 8, 1864. 



CHAPTER X. 
THIRTEENTH, FOURTEENTH, AND FIFTEENTH REGIMENTS. 

Thirteenth. — Its Origiu. — Officers. — In Maryland. — In Virgmia. — Second Battle of 
Bull Run. — South Mountain and Antietam. — Fredericksburg. — Ghancellorsville. — 
Gettysburg. — Across the Rapidan. — Wilderness. — Across the James River. — Re- 
ception at Home. — Fourteenth. — Its Colonel. — Its Roster of Officers. — At Fort 
Albany. — Changed to the First Heavy Artillery. — Fifteenth. — Col. Charles 
Devens. — Mrs. Child's Letter. — Roster of Officers. — Ball's Bluff. — Hampton. — 
Camp Misery. — At Yorktown. — Peninsular Campaign. — At Antietam. — Second 
Battle of Frederickslaurg. — At Gettysburg. — Bristow's Station. — Campaign of the 
Wilderness. — Return Home. — Muster Out. 

THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 

THE nucleus of this regiment was the Fourth Battalion of 
Rifles, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. It was ordered, 
under Major Leonard, to Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, 
June 1 ; was there recruited to a regiment ; and left for Wash- 
ington, July 30, 1861. 

Its roll of officers was as follows : — 



Colonel . 

Lieutenant- Colonel 

Major 

Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 

Chaplain 



Samuel H. Leonard. 
N. Walter Batchelder 
Jacob P. Gould. 
Allston W. Whitney. 
J. Theodore Heard. 
Noah M. Gaylord. 



Until the spring of 1862, the Thirteenth was on patrol and 
outpost duty on the Ui^per Potomac, in Maryland. 

On the last day of December, 1861, Companies A, B, E, and 
H, in command of Capt. J. A. Fox, marched to Williamsport, 
Md. ; and Jan. 5, 1862, Companies C, D, and I were ordered to 
Hancock, Md., to aid in repelling a force of the enemy. Having 
marched twenty-six miles, through a severe snow-storm, between 
three, p.m., of that day, and half-past one of the next morn- 
ing, they reported to Gen. Lander. But the enemy had left, after 
destroying several miles of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On 



219 



220 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the 30th, these companies left Hancock for Camp Jackson, at 
Williamsport, reaching their old quarters next day. 

The mouth of February was occupied by the regiment in drills, 
guard-duty, picket-service, from FalHng Waters towards Williams- 
port, with the ordinary routine of camp-life, relieved only by an 
occasional alarm which called the men to arms. 

March 1, a telegram from Gen. Banks made a stir in the en- 
campment ; and soon the regiment was crossing the Potomac. It 
joined Gen. Hamilton's brigade at Bunker Hill ; on the 12th, 
acted as provost-guard in Winchester, Va. ; and, on the 20th, was 
added to Gen. Abercrombie's brigade. On the 25th, the troops 
crossed the Shenandoah to re-enforce Gen. Banks, but immediately 
retraced their steps to Blue Ridge on information that re-enforce- 
ments were not needed. 

Marches were again the order for several days, until the regi- 
ment was quartered in deserted rebel tents at Bull Run. The 
history of April, in its general aspects, was similar to that of 
March. May 12, marching again commenced ; and the routes 
pursued were from Camp Stanton via Cedar Creek, Falmouth, 
Alexandria, Manassas Junction, &c., to Front Royal. Col. 
Leonard wrote, June 8, 18G2 : — 

The unprecedented number of " absent sick " is owing to the hea\'y marches 
over the ridges of Manassas and the Blue Mountains, and without any shelter 
for the men except their rubber blankets, and their not having been accustomed 
to it. Two days' rest, with regular rations, have improved us very much. 
The want of proper food — living for a week on hard-bread and coffee only — 
has affected the officers as well as enlisted men. 

July 4, by order of Gen. McDowell, the regiment moved 
towards Warrenton, and bivouacked near Gainesville. Resumed 
the march on the 5th. On the 25th, moved camp about one mile. 
On tlie 28th, took part in the action at Thoroughfare Gap ; and at 
night encamped at Gainesville. 

At daylight on the morning of the 29th, it marched to IManassas Junction, 
via Bristow Station on the Alexandria and Orange Railroad, and thence to 
a position near the first Bull Bun battle-field, where it bivouacked. Early on 
the morning of the 30th, the brigade in which they were was ordered forward 
to the line of the expected battle. Shortly after gaining this position, it was 
discovered that our left had been flanked by a heavy force ; and this regiment 
especially was receiving the enemy's fire from two directions. Soon the sup- 
ported line fell back, passing through the regimental Hne to the rear. Not 
until thus uncovered did this regiment return the fire of the enemy. 



THE THIRTEENTH AT AKTIETAM. 221 

After nearly half- an hour's brisk figbting, many having been tli.sa1)loJ, it 
became evident that the Thirteenth could not, unsupported, long hold the 
position, exposed, as it was, to a fierce enfilading fire fi-om both the enemy's 
artillery and musketry. At this time, their colonel received an order by one 
of Gen. McDowell's aides to flank to the woods, then partly occupied by the 
enemy, about one hundred yards distant, across a small brook and ravine 
much exposed to the enemy's fire. While accomplishing this movement, the 
left wing of our whole force gave way generally ; and this regiment retired 
with the other troops to re-form in the roar of the hospital. At night they 
retreated about two miles, and bivouacked, and, early the next morning, 
reached Centreville. ' 

The losses sustained liy this regiment at this battle were nineteen killed, 
one hundred and eight wounded, and sixty-six missing ; total, one hundred 
and ninety-three. 

On the retreat of Gen. Pope's army, Gen. Lee entered Mary- 
land, and moved immediately upon Frederick, the capital. Gen. 
McClellan, at the head of the Union army, also advanced upon 
Frederick, and compelled a total change in the rebels' plan of 
operations. They, retiring towards Hagerstown, were brought to 
a stand, Sept. 14 ; and the battle of South Mountain was fought. 
On the 17th was fought the battle of Antietam, resulting in the 
success of tlie Union arms. Advancing from Keedysville, on the 
right bank of Antietam Creek, the brigade of which the Thir- 
teenth was a part came under fire of the enemy. 

The colonel says, — 

For two hours, the regiment was spiritedly engaged. Their brigade was 
composed of four regiments, of which the Twelfth Massachusetts was on the 
right, the Eighty-third New- York on the left, and the Thirteenth Massachu- 
setts on the right of the left wing. The battle raged fiercely at this point. 
After a €ull hour's hard fighting, the right wing of the brigade, holding a more 
exposed position and suffering a heavy loss, fell back. This regiment was the 
last to retire ; and not until the Nineteenth Pennsylvania, which came up as 
a re-enforcement in the place of the Eleventh Pennsylvania and the Twelfth 
Massachusetts, had retired from their right, and the Eighty-third New- York 
from their left, did their colonel receive the order to fall back. 

The Thirteenth was with the army under Gen. Burnside at 
Fredericksburg, and took part in the battle there, Dec. 13, 1862. 
Of the conduct of the Thirteenth in this battle, Adjutant Brad- 
lee, in a letter dated Falmouth, Dec. 17, 1862, writes, — 

The continuous thug of the bullets as they struck around every man a« he 
rose up to fire, and the fact that there were less than three hundred men iu 



222 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

front of three brigades, every man's actions to be seen by those in the rear, 
and not knowing any thing but what was going on in front, proved the grit of 
what remains of our regiment. At the general advance, shortly after noon, 
our regiment began to fire as rapidly as they could from a kneeling position, until 
the brigades advanced over them, and commenced the battle in earnest, as the 
press has it. The Thirteenth was ordered to rally upon their reserve of two 
companies, and sent nearly half a mile to the rear for ammunition, which they 
got after a long time, and when the brigade had mostly fallen back, and formed 
on us. Gen. Gibbons being wounded, Gen. Taylor assumed command of the 
division, and Col. Leonard of the brigade, and advanced to a position in the 
rear of the road we picketed the night before. • By what miracle our men 
escaped, no one can tell ; but certain it was, that, on oui' recapitulation of to- 
day, the regiment can account for every man but two, who were doubtless 
deserters, as they were not in the fight. 

The Thirteenth, excepting the sick, who numbered more than 
half the regiment, was, for the next nine months, most of the 
time on the move, with interludes of camp-life, at Fletcher's 
Chapel, White-oak Church, and other points. The • Rappahan- 
nock and Deep Run will never be forgotten by the brave fellows, 
who, in spite of weariness and the rain, enlivened the march by 
songs and cheers. 

At the Fitz-Hugh House, the enemy's shells killed Capt. 
George Bush and Lieut. William Cardwell, Company F, and tore 
away the right leg and arm of Sergeant I. S. Fay. 

At Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, in a reconnoissance to discover 
the position of the enemy, seven men of the Thirteenth were 
wounded. 

On the 20th, the regiment was transferred to the first brigade. 
On the 12th of June, the army commenced its march northward. 
On tiie 25th, crossed the Potomac near Edward's Ferry, and the 
Pennsylvania line on the 30th ; when a halt was ordered, and a 
line of battle formed, owing to the first division, which was in 
advance, encountering the pickets of the enemy. 

Report from the battle-field of Gettysburg says, — 

Marched, July 1, at six o'clock, a.bi. After proceeding about four miles, 
heard cannonading in front; our cavalry and flying artillery having engaged 
the advance of the enemy. The first and third divisions, being ahead of us, 
advanced, and we followed rapidly. Before proceeding far, the news came 
to the rear of the death of Gen. Reynolds. We rapidly neared the firing, 
which grew more rapid and severe as we approached. Soon the first division 
was engaged ; and Gen. Paul notified the commanders that they were imme- 
diately going into an engagement. We left the road, and moved out to the 



AT GETTYSBURG. 223 

front of Gettysburg, and soon came under the fire of the enemy. Tlie enemy 
so much outnumbering us, our brigade was sent into action by regiments, and 
with so great intervals between them, as not to be able to properly support 
each other. The enemy pressed hard on our flanks ; but our regiment — com- 
manded by Col. Leonard until he was wounded and retired, and afterwards 
by Lieut.-Col. Batcheldcr — held its ground for upwards of an hour, when, 
beino" seriously annoyed by a regiment of the enemy lying behind the banks of 
Chambersburg Pike Road, a charge was ordered, which resulted in the cap- 
ture of one hundred and thirty-two of the enemy, seven of whom were com- 
missioned officers. They were safely carried to the rear. A division of the 
Eleventh Corps, on our right, giving way before a charge of the enemy, with 
very slight resistance, loft our flank exposed ; and, no support coming up, a 
retreat was ordered, and we fell back through the town to the heights in the 
rear, where the command was re-organized. About one hundred were taken 
prisoners in passing through the town. Our loss in killed, wounded, and 
missing, in the day's battle, was one hundred and eighty-nine. We took into 
action two hundred and sixty muskets. 

July 2. — We supported batteries on Cemetery Hill until nearly dark, when 
we were ordered to the left, and ran the gantlet of a very heavy artillery-firt!, 
reaching the point of attack as the enemy were driven back. We returned to 
our position on the right, and about nine, p.m., were moved over the hill in 
front of the batteries and near the town, where we were much annoyed by the 
sharpshooters firing from the windows of the houses. 

July 3. — Soon after daylight, we were ordered to the rear of the batteries. 
As we rose from the stone wall, and nioved off", we received a volley from the 
pickets of the enemy, which fortunately did no damage. We held a position 
in support of batteries, until, the enemy making a desperate attack on the 
centre, our division was sent to re-enforce the Second Corps ; reaching the 
point of attack just as the enemy fell back broken and defeated. We 
then relieved the Second Corps, built earthworks in the edge of the woods, 
and, after sending out a strong picket, bivouacked. 

From the 6th of July until the 27th of November, the Thirteenth 
was marching over mountains and through the gaps ; across the 
Potomac ; acting as rcar-guarcl to the corps, July 22 ; and antici- 
pating hourly the attacks of guerillas ; on the 27th, on picket-duty 
near Bealton Station ; and Aug. 1, with the rest of the brigade, 
encircling with rifle-pits the heights on which the '• White House " 
stands ; then over Raccoon Ford ; through Manassas, with the 
roar of cannon all day sounding in the rear ; Oct. 24, fording 
Broad Run, and encamping on the battle-ground near Bristow 
Station ; and finally pitching its tents on the heights south of the 
Rapidan, near Gulpeper, on Thanksgiving-, — a day full of pleasant 
thoughts and memories to the sons of New England. The next day, 



224 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

Nov. 27, the Thirteenth crossed to the Orange Court-house Road, 
and moved out into the Wilderness, going to the left of the Second 
Corps, and picketed through the night ; and, early in the follow- 
ing morning, went into line of battle. Gen. Meade finally 
abandoned his intention to storm the works of the enemy, on 
account of the great risk involved. The regiment reached Ger- 
mania Ford, Dec. 1 ; and thence, on the safe withdrawal of the 
army, marched to Stevensburg, and, by Christmas, to Mitchell's 
Station. The narrative from that date is as follows: — 

We remained here doing duty on the extreme front of the army as a por- 
tion of a brigade doing outpost duty, picketing the river and near it, having 
severe duty to perform ; and, from the smallness of our number and the 
importance of the position, the regiment was worked severely. We had 
the pleasure of being visited by division and corps commanders, and were 
reviewed by Lieut.-Gren. Grant on his route to Garnett's Peak, the outpost 
signal station of the army fronting the enemy. The brigade to which we were 
attached had this signal station under their charge ; and a large number of 
deserters and contrabands came into our lines, crossing the fords in our front. 
It was here that the first positive information was received of the successful 
escape of some of our officers through the tunnel under Libby Prison, — an 
officer of an Illinois regiment having found his way through Hebeldom to our 
lines. 

On the 16th of April, 1864, Lieut. -Col. Batchelder received an 
honorable discharge. 

April 26, the regiment broke camp, and pitched tents a mile in 
advance. On the night of May 3, moved towards Culpeper, 
Lieut.-Col. Hovey commanding. 

On the morning of the 5th, moved to the front, and, early in the 
afternoon, engaged with the enemy. The limits of this sketch will 
not permit a detailed account of this campaign, which, for the en- 
durance and heroic daring of soldiers, is without a parallel in the 
history of modern warfare. It may be added, however, that from 
the 4th of May, when the regiment entered the Wilderness, up to 
the 6th of June, the troops had been under fire every day and 
night ; and a distinguished United-States senator says of the 
Thirteenth, ^'- that it was always noted for good conduct^ 

It crossed the James River on the IGth of June, and moved 
towards Petersburg. The report concludes, — 

We did our share of picket and detail duty, assisting in building Fort War- 
ren, and working night and day. The regiment during this time was under 
command of Major Pierce, Lieut.-Col. Hovey being relieved on account of 
severe illness. 



THE FOURTEENTH IN THE FIELD. 225 

The regiment left City Point for Washington on the morning of July 15, 
and arrived in Boston on the morning of the 21st. The time of the regiment 
expired July 16. 

The reception of the regiment in Boston was more tlian ordi- 
narily enthusiastic ; and the towns from which six companies of 
the regiment came extended most kindly greetings and hearty 
favors to the veterans of the Thirteenth. 

THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 

This body of troops, called " the Essex-County Regiment," 
from the part of the State where most of the members were 
recruited, was stationed, early in June, at Fort Warren, on gar- 
rison-duty. 

Its colonel, William B. Greene, was in Paris when the civil 
conflict called for the sons of Massachusetts. He immediately 
embarked with his family for this country, and, upon his arrival, 
offered himself to the Commonwealth for duty in the field. 

The regiment was mustered into service July 5, 18G1 ; and 
left Boston for Washington, Aug. 7, with the following officers : — 

Colonel William B. Greene. 

Lieutenant- Colonel .... Samuel C. Oliver. 

Major Levi P. Wright. 

Surgeon David Dana, jun. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Samuel K. Towle. 

Chaplain Stephen Barker. 

The lieutenant-colonel is a son of Gen. Oliver, Treasurer of the 
State. 

The Fourteenth, on its arrival at the national capital, was 
ordered to Kalorama Heights, Md. It was ordered, a week 
later, to cross the Potomac River, and to garrison Fort Albany, 
then regarded as the " key to Washington." 

The regiment shortly after also furnished a garrison for Fort 
Rnuyon, at the head of Long Bridge. Similar service near 
Washington was assigned the , Fourteenth till the dawn of the 
new year. An order from the War Department, Jan. 1,1862, 
changed this regiment to that of the First Heavy Artillery, whose 
honorable record will appear in its proper place in this volume. 



226 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL CHARLES DEVENS AND THE FIFTEENTH 
REGIMENT. 

The men of this regiment were from Worcester County. Their 
first commander was Col. Charles Devens. His subsequent pro- 
motion, and his prominence in the political affairs of the State, 
call for some notice of his life. He was born in Charlestown, 
April 4, 1820 : entered Harvard University in 1834 ; and, after 
graduating at its Law School, commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession in Franklin County, Mass., in 1841. In 1847-48, he was 
in the State Senate ; and, from 1849 to 1853, was United-States 
Marshal for the District of Massachusetts. For the part he took 
officially in the rendition of the fugitive slave Sims he was 
severely censured. That he acted conscientiously, and is a 
modest, true man, will appear from a recent statement by 
Lydia Maria Child. Intimate friends did not know the facts 
from any allusion to them by himself; nor was the generous act 
recorded by Mrs. Child the offer of a millionnaire, but that of a 
gentleman whose heart was larger than his means. The letter of 
Mrs. Child will also be a vindication of a large number of citizens 
of Massachusetts, whose words and acts may have seemed to some 
hostile to universal liberty, but whose hearts, beneath legal forms 
and party theories, were true to humanity and freedom. 

Of all the bad effects which slavery produces on character, I think that of 
meanness is the most conspicuous ; but its various demoralizing effects, all 
over the country, cannot be estimated. Nothing can be more disastrous than 
frequent collisions between the law of the land and the moral convictions 
of the people. In New England, reverence for law amounts almost to a 
religious feeling; and, when "iniquity is framed into a law," the sin is like 
that of poisoning the sacrament. Kind and conscientious men not unfre- 
quently get entangled in this confliet of duties ; and lucky it is for them if 
they can preserve their integrity after they have sutordinated the higher to 
the lower law, though with the idea that they are thereby performing a civil 
duty. 

I have met with one remarkable case of this kind ; and, for the sake of its 
moral influence, I think it deserves to be recoi-ded. Some months before the 
war broke out, a friend showed me letters from Thomas Sims, expressing an 
earnest desire to obtain his freedom. His master had promised to let him 
buy himself for eighteen hundred dollars. It was a lai-ge sum ; but I tried 
to raise it by writing many letters, most of them to persons more or less impli- 
cated in the rendition of Sims. Many of the letters were answered ; others 
brought in contributions. The Hon. John P. Bigelow, who was Mayor of 



LETTER OF MRS. CHILD. 227 

Boston at the tlaie the city was so deeply disgraced by tliat inhuman transac- 
tion, sent me twenty dollars, with expressions of regret that the execution of 
the law had compelled him to take such a course. A short time after I com- 
menced these operations, I was astonished by the following note from Worces- 
ter, Mass. : — 

Mrs. Child, — I have heard that you are trying to raise money to redeem 
Thomas Sims from slavery. If you have received any contributions, please 
return them to the donors, as I wish to contribute the entire sum myself. 
Yours respectfully, 

CHAS. DEVENS, Jcn. 

In making my applications, I bad chanced to overlook Mr. Devens, though 
I knew he had acted as United-States Marshal at the time of the rendition of 
Sims, According to his request, I returned the contributions I had received ; 
and, in writing to thank him, I informed him of the high price demanded. 
He replied, that the sum was subject to my order whenever I chose to call for 
it. The feeling of indignation which I formerly had against him was changed 
to respect and admiration ; but, when I wrote him, I could not refrain from 
giving him a little patte de velours, merely saying that he reminded me of 
the senator in " Uncle Tom." 

There were impediments in the way of communicating with Thomas Sims ; 
and, before the affair could be safely arranged, the outbreak of the civil war 
rendered negotiations with Southerners impracticable. Mr. Devens, though 
well established as a lawyer, immediately volunteered his services for the 
defence of the country, and received a major's commission from Gov. Andrew. 
He is still in the army, having fought bravely through the war. He was 
severely wounded at Fair Oaks, and again at Chancellorsville, and in numer- 
ous battles has fairly earned his present rank of brevet major-general. 

In a recent letter to me he writes, " It is a satisfaction to me that I have 
had a reasonably active part in the great struggle which has resulted in the 
emancipation of all the slaves. I agree with you, that suftrage ought to be 
given to the negroes, though with certain restrictions as to education ; the 
same restrictions being applied to all white men who shall vote hereafter. 
The liberty of no race can be safe if deprived of this right as a race. Injus- 
tice, followed by civil commotion, will be the inevitable result of such a 
deprivation." 

Thomas Sims married after he was returned to slavery ; and, when the 
United-States army arrived in his vicinity, he contrived to convey himself, wife, 
and child, into their camp. When he again arrived in Massachusetts, Gen. 
Devens sent him, through me, a present of one hundred dollars, to assist him 
till he could get into business. I call that man a true hero in the highest and 
best sense of the term ; and I think all your readers will agree with me. 

L. MARIA CHILD. 

When, in the spring of 1861, Mr. Devens was appointed major 



228 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION: 

of a battalion of rifles, he was practising law in the city of Worces- 
ter. With these troops he performed garrison duty at Annapolis 
and Baltimore, Md., until he was called to the command of this 
regiment, whoso roster was as follows: — 

Colonel .... Charles Devens, jun., Worcester. 



Lieutenant- Colonel 

Major 

Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 

Chaplain 



George H. Ward, Worcester. 
John W. Kimball, Fitehburg. 
Joseph N. Bates, Worcester. 
S. Foster Haven, jun., Worcester. 
William Gr. Scandlin, Grafton. 



The annals of the Fifteenth were alily and modestly written by 
Lieut.-Col. Kimball, which, witli the omission of the less impor- 
tant particulars for the want of space, are quoted in his own 
words : — 

The Fifteenth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, was organized 
in Worcester County, in the month of June, 1861, under the call for three- 
years' volunteers to put down the rebellion then existing in our country. 
For a nucleus, the regiment had three companies of State militia around which 
to rally. Seven companies of entirely new organization being added, the 
whole was mustered into the service of the United States, June 12, 1861, as 
the Fifteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, under the command of 
Col. Charles Devens, jun. During the process of recruiting, organizing, and 
drilling, the regiment was encamped in the city of Worcester, at Camp Scott ; 
which the regiment left, Aug. 8, 1861, direct for Washington, full in num- 
bers, thoroughly and entirely armed and ecpiipped. Arriving in Washington, 
Aug. 11, quarters were obtained in public buildings used at that time for 
the accommodation of the thousands of troops which were crowding into the 
city. Nest day, they were ordered to Camp Kalorama ; and thence, on the 
25th, to Poolesville, Md. Here was the first experience in bivouac. Under 
a cloudless sky, bright with its ten thousand lights, the men, wearied by the 
unusual toil, threw themselves upon the grass-grown earth, to forget in sleep 
the then called hardships of a soldier's life. The march next day was 
eighteen miles ; the bivouac at night a piece of woodland, near the town of 
Dawsonville. Poolesville was reached on the 27th August, and the regi- 
ment ordered into camp by Gen. Charles P. Stone, commanding corps of 
observation, on a large common, or plain, near the town. Nothing of im- 
portance occurred to break the monotony of the established camp until the 
battle of Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21. Of the events of that disastrous day, it is 
suificient to say, that, after an obstinate resistance from morning till night 
against supei-ior numbers, our forces were driven from the bluff to the river. 
The only means of transportation across the river were two boats, — one capable 
of holding sixty men ; the other, a small life-boat, not more than sixteen. Into 
these tlic troops crowded. The large boat soon sunk, filled with men, many 



THE FIFTEENTH AT FAIR OAKS. * 229 

of them wounded ; and, for want of proper means of propelling the smaller 
one, it was but of little service at that critical moment. The only chance of 
escape left was by swimming, made extremely hazardous by the galling fire 
which the enemy poured into the river. 

Of the sis hundred and twenty-five men of the regiment who in the morning 
crossed the river, but three hundred and thirteen returned uninjured at night. 
Two officers were killed, four wounded, seven taken prisoners. Our morning 
reports, immediately after the battle, show a loss among the enlisted men of 
twenty-six killed outright, sixty-six wounded, and two hundred and twenty- 
four missing in action. 

Nothing of note occurred during the fall and winter months. Orders to 
march were received Feb. 25, and camp was broken. The troops marched 
successively to Harper's Ferry, where they were quartered in buildings ; 
thence to Bolivar Heights, Charlestown, and Berryville. On the 22d, they 
were transported to Washington, and the nest day ordered to iVlexandria ; 
whence, March 29, they embarked on board transports for Hampton. The 
Fifteenth landed here April 1, and, on the 4th, commenced its march up the 
Peninsula, and went into camp beyond Big Bethel. This camp was known 
as Camp Misery ; a name entirely in keeping with the condition of the camp, 
which, by a long rain-storm, was made truly miserable. Here the labor of 
felling timber and making roads commenced, in order that the artillery and 
trains might be brought to the front. Until the evacuation of Yorktown by 
the enemy, the regiment was actively employed on picket-duty, supporting 
ai'tillery, throwing up earthworks, &c. During the siege, the first company 
of Andrews Sharpshooters became attached to the regiment. While before 
Yorktown, Col. Devens left the Fifteenth to take command of a brigade, having 
been appointed a brigadier-general. The command of the regiment was 
immediately assumed by Lieut.-Col. Kimball. Shortly after, Col. Ward, 
who had lost a leg at Ball's Bluff", and who was a very brave and meritorious 
officer, took command. 

On the evacuation of their works by the enemy, May 4, the 
Fifteenth embarked for West Point, arriving there in time to re- 
enforce Gen. Franklin, who was engaged with the enemy. The 
troops then advanced until they reached the Tyler Estate, near 
the Chickahominy ; which point they gained May 22. The heat 
at this time was intense ; and, for want of proper rest, many of 
the men fell out from the ranks in an exhausted condition. 

Early in the afternoon of May 31, rapid and heavy firing was heard, dis- 
tinctly heard, from across the river. The troops under Gren. Sumner, including 
the Fifteenth Regiment, were immediately ordered under arms, and marched 
to the assistance of Gen. Casey. Crossing the river on a bridge of logs, 
called Sumner's Grapevine Bridge, the column advanced about two miles, 
and formed near Fair-oaks Station, in anticipation of an attack. The regi- 



230 • MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

menthad barely time to load, before tbe battle, which raged fiercely until after 
dark, commenced. The first position taken by the Fifteenth Regiment was in 
support of a battery of light artillery, commanded by Lieut. Kirby of the 
regular service, which was playing with great effect upon the concealed enemy. 
This position was trying to the men in the extreme : as but a small portion 
were engaged, the balance could only stand firmly before the storm of bullets, 
to resist the charge, should one be attempted. Three times did the foe, 
flushed with the victory of the morning, and confident of success, rush upon 
the battery almost to the cannon's mouth, but each time were driven back in 
disorder, leaving many brave men within a few yards of our bayonets. Before 
they could rally from this terrible fire of canister and musketry, a charge 
upon them was ordered. With wild shouts and cheers, the unwavering line 
advanced into the almost impenetrable thicket ; but the enemy had fled : their 
dead and wounded alone were left, the evidences of a glorious victory. That 
night, the troops rested upon their arms on the battle-field, the horrors of 
which were made doubly revolting by the unceasing groans of the wounded. 

In the battle of Fair Oaks, the regiment sustained a loss of five killed, 
seventeen wounded. The battle-field became the permanent camp at Fair 
Oaks. A. breastwork of logs was thrown up, behind which the regiment 
stood iu line of battle many weary hours, both day and night, during the 
entire month of June, in anticipation of an attack. 

On the 27th, the expected attack was made. Although not brought into 
action, the regiment was under fire. On the 29th, it marched to Savage 
Station for the purpose of destroying the ordnance-stores, prior to abandoning 
that post. Having performed this work, it awaited the troops then slowly 
falling back from Fair Oaks. In the engagement of the evening of that day 
the Fifteenth took an active part, and was posted on picket until nine, p.m.; 
when it was quietly withdrawn, and the retreat continued to Glen Dale. In 
the rear again at Glen Dale, the regiment was engaged with the enemy on the 
evening of June 30, as the result of which the trains were enabled to reach 
a place of comparative safety. 

July 1, the pickets were withdrawn, and the retreat continued 
to Malvern Hill. 

On the arrival at Harrison's Landing, the soldiers were 
thoroughly worn out by the unceasing fighting and marching of 
the week. A suitable place was selected, and a permanent camp 
established, known as Camp near Harrison's Landing. During 
the month of July, but little was required of the regiment ; the 
intense heat of the weather 'rendering constant drilling highly 
injurious. 

Aug. 15, the army moved for Newport News, where the regi- 
ment embarked for Alexandria. On the 29th, it arrived at Chain 
Bridge, when an order was received requiring the division to 



THE FIFTEENTH AT ANTIETAM. 231 

which the Fifteenth was attached to march immediately to Ceii- 
trcvillc. By a forced march during the night, this point was 
reached just in time to cover the retrograde move of tlie army 
towards Washington. 

Sept. 2, the Fifteenth crossed the Potomac ; halted two days at 
Camp Defiance, near Rockvillc ; met and routed the enemy's cav- 
alry at riyattstown on the 8th ; and, on the 9th, entered Frederick 
City. It arrived at South-Mountain Pass the night of the battle 
there, and relieved a brigade. The next morning's sun revealed 
that the enemy had left during the night, and pursuit was imme- 
diately commenced. Sept. 16, preparations were made for the 
impending battle, and the regiment ordered to be in readiness 
tlie next day. On the morning of the 17th, the great battle of 
Antietam commenced ; and, at nine o'clock. Gen. Sumner's corps 
was ordered to the front to follow up the success already achieved 
by the troops under Gen. Hooker. 

It has been the subject of much remark, that troops never went into battle 
more cheerfully than did ours that morning ; so confident were all that the 
shattered enemy would be driven, ere night, across the river. At half-past ten 
o'clock, the Fifteenth, in the front line of the division, became engaged, and 
for twenty minutes sustained a terrific fire from the enemy, at the expiration 
of which time the disheartening order to fall back was given. We have 
neither time, space, nor heart to record in detail the disasters to the Fifteenth 
on that day. It was repulsed, in common with all other regiments attached 
to the division. In the history of our State, we claim to be mentioned as 
having fought a good fight; as an evidence of which, we ask only that the 
list of casualties occurring in the regiment that day may always be coupled 
with the oflficial report of the commanding officer. The record stands thus : 
Twenty-four officers, and five hundred and eighty-two non-commissioned officers 
and privates, went into the fight; five officers were killed, six were wounded, 
one of which number has since died ; sixty enlisted men left dead on the 
field, two hundred and forty -eight wounded, twenty-four missing ; total, 
three hundred and forty-three killed, wounded, and missing. Included in 
this number is the loss sustained by the Andrews Sharpshooters, which was 
two officers killed, eight non-commissioned officers and privates Idlled, and 
seventeen wounded, one of whom has since died of his wounds. 

The National and State colors, hardly to be recognized as the same once so 
bright and beautiful, were brought ofi" in safety by hands other than those 
who bore them into the fight, together with a battle-flag of the enemy, since 
delivered at headquarters. Army of the Potomac, by virtue of an order re- 
quiring that all trophies be thus turned over. The enemy, held in check by 
our artillery, did not follow up their success ; and a stand was made by the 
remnants of the regiments, which position was not attacked by any force of 



232 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

infantry. On the night of the 18th, the enemy evacuated, the terrible battle- 
field falling into our hands the next morning. 

Almost all of the wounded were found in and about a barn near the field, 
where, as well cared for by the enemy as circumstances would permit, they 
impatiently awaited our arrival. The robbed and disfigured bodies of our 
noble dead were laid by kind hands in the humble graves hastily dug and 
prepared for their reception. Sept. 22, nothing loath to leave the scene of 
carnage, the regiment marched from Sharpsburg to Harper's Ferry, forded 
the Potomac, and occupied the same ground as a camp left more than six 
months before. 

From this point, the line of march lay along the east side of the 
Blue Ridge, occnpying, from day to day, the gaps through wliich 
demonstrations on the part of the enemy might be expected. Nov. 2, 
the regiment encountered the enemy's cavalry at Ashby Gap ; but 
they fled without firing a shot. On the 9th of November, the regi- 
ment entered Warrenton, and encamped. Nov. 15, the Union 
army evacuated Warrenton, and, on the 20th, reached Falmouth. 

On the 5th of February, 1868, Col. Ward rejoined his regiment, 
having been absent (suffering from the loss of his leg) since the 
battle of Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861. Nothing worthy of note 
occurred until the campaign under Gen. Hooker commenced. 

On the 2d of May, a little before sunrise, the second division 
of the Second Corps, of which the Fifteenth was a part, crossed 
the river at the same point where the Second Corps had crossed 
in December, 1862, with little or no opposition. 

The Fifteenth was soon after directed to take a position on the extreme 
right of the first brigade, and commenced moving to a point on the right of 
the city ; and, at the same moment, the enemy's batteries opened fiom three 
different points with solid shot and shell, which they kept up while the regi- 
ment was going the distance of half a mile. At the same time this movement 
was going on, the enemy were hurrying up their infantry at double-quick, 
and filling the rifle-pits on the crest of the hill in our front, almost in rifle 
range. It was our good fortune to have a slight embankment for a cover, 
where we remained for two hours, until the position known as Mary's 
Heio'hts, in rear of the famous bank-wall rlfle-ijit where so manv brave 
men laid down their lives at the first battle of Fredericksburg, was fianked 
by Gen. Sedgwick's Sixth Corps ; and the enemy in our front began to fall 
back. A canal, some thirty feet wide, and too deep to ford, prevented our 
advancing directly in front ; and we were obliged to return to the city before 
doing so. During the time we had remained there, the enemy had placed 
two guns in such a position on the bluff, on the south side of the river, that 
they had an enfilading fire on our line while returning to the city ; but 
either through their great haste to join their fleeing comrades, or bad prac- 



AT GETTYSBURG. 233 

ti(;e, they did us little barm : but two men sligbtly wounded during the 
whole shelling. After following up the enemy two miles, the second division 
were ordered back to the city, — the Fifteenth to the north bank of the river, 
supporting Battery A, First Rhode-Island Artillery, which covered the pon- 
toon-bridge, wliere we remained until the following day about dusk, when 
Companies A, B, E, and G moved into the rifle-pits above and below the 
bridge to cover its removal. 

The regiment camped near the banks of the river until the 8th inst., 
when we moved half a mile to the rear to get better ground for camping- 
purposes. Here the regiment remained, doing picket-duty along the river, 
until Sunday, the 14th of June. It moved about nine o'clock, p.m., towards 
Stafford Court House. 

The march northward now commenced. On the 26th, the army 
crossed the Potomac at Edward's Ferry, when the following order 
was issued : — 

Headquarters Second Division, Second Corps, 
Edward's Ferry, Va., June 26, 1863. 

General Orders, No. 105. 

The Fifteenth and Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, for marching 

to-day in the best and most compact order, and with the least straggling from 

their ranks, are excused from all picketrduty and outside details for four days. 

By command of 

BRIG.-GEN. GIBBON. 

July 1, about noon, heavy cannonading was heard to the northward ; and 
the troops were soon marching rapidly towards the Pennsylvania line. At 
night, they bivouacked behind a barricade of rails, three miles south of Grettys- 
burg. Next morning, about sunrise, the Fifteenth got into position behind 
Cemetery Ridge, where a large part of the Second Corps was massed. No 
demonstration was made on either side until one, p.m. ; when the enemy 
opened fire with artillery on the Second Corps. The Fifteenth, with another 
regiment of the brigade, was now moved out to a position full three hundred 
yards in front of the main line : here a barricade of rails was hastily thrown 
up. About sunset, the enemy made a furious assault uj)on our lines. Hav- 
ing driven in the Third Corps, they speedily gained the flank of this advanced 
detachment of the Second. The batteries on the ridge opened on their. ad- 
vance with grape and case-shot ; but, through some deplorable mistake, most 
of the shots fell short, and tore with destructive effect through the ranks of 
the Fifteenth. Exposed thus, front, flank, and rear, the regiment was forced, 
after considerable loss, back to a position behind the ridge. Next day, at 
one, P.M., the rebels opened upon our lines with a hundred pieces of 
artillery. This terrible fire was continued for about two hours ; and, though 
the air seemed filled with the fragments of bursting shells, comparatively 
little damage was done. At three, p.m., the rebel infantry moved to 
30 



234 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the assault. Our men sprang promptly to meet them, glad at a prospect 
of work, I'elieving them from their painful recumbent position, which a 
broiling sun rendered the more intolerable. This contest lasted an hour or 
two, during which both armies showed a determination to hold their ground, 
regardless of the results. A slight wavering of the rebel line was detected ; 
and at the suggestion of Col. Hall, commanding third brigade, the colors of 
the Fifteenth were ordered to advance, when the remnant of the regiment 
rallied promptly around them, and the whole line, as if moved by one im- 
pulse, mshed forward, and carried the position. The regiment was sent out 
to picket the field ; and at daylight, on the morning of the 4th, skinnishing 
commenced, and continued until the regiment was relieved at eight o'clock. 
The regiment went into action with eighteen officers and two hundred and 
twenty-one enlisted men. During the three days, it lost three officers (Col. 
Ward and Capts. Murkland and Jorgensen) killed and eight wounded, and 
nineteen enlisted men killed and eighty-five wounded, many of which have 
since died. Saturday, July 4, was spent on the field. 

At two, P.M., of the 5th, the regiment left the battle-field, and 
marched in pursuit of the discomfited rebels. On the 18th, it 
crossed the Potomac, and, on the 23d, hastened over paths fright- 
fully rough to the assistance of the Third Corps, which had 
become engaged with the enemy at Manassas Gap. 

The march was continued, via Warrenton Junction and Beal- 
ton Station, to the Camp near Morrisville. 

On the 31st, the regiment, with a part of the Second Corps, 
was ordered to the fords of the Rappahannock to assist in de- 
stroying two small steamers which had been captured by the 
enemy a few days before. The object of the expedition siiccess- 
fully accomplished, the Fifteenth returned to camp. Oct. 14, the 
regiment took part in the, action at Bristow's Station, when the 
enemy were severely repulsed, and with heavy loss to them, but 
comparatively little to the Fifteenth. It was again engaged at 
Robertson's Tavern. Here it was deployed as' skirmishers, joining 
on the right of the second brigade. 

Nov. 30, moved out in front of the enemy's fortifications, which the Second 
and Third Corps, and one division of the Sixth, expected to assault at 
eight, A.M. The enemy, having anticipated the movement, were re-enforced 
to such an extent with both artillery and infantry, that the assault was 
abandoned, and the line withdrawn after dark. 

Next, under orders to relieve another regiment, the Fifteenth 
marched to Ely's Ford ; crossed tlie Rapidan on the 2d of Decem- 
ber, and, on the 5tli, moved to a position near Steveusburg, and 
there, for the third time, built winter-quarters. These were 



MUSTERED OUT. 235 

neither regularly built, nor ornamental in design, but were well 
arranged and comfortable within. 

During April, 18(34, preparations for the spring campaign were 
in full operation. This opened on or about the 1st of May. 

A field return on that clay gave tlie strength of the Fifteenth Hegiment, 
present for duty, as about three hundred otfieers and men : of this number, 
two hundred and seventy-five were rank and file. In the battle of the Wil- 
derness, the regiment lost about one-half its number in killed and wounded. 
The simple statement, that, in all the marches and battles from the Rapidan 
to Petersburg in which the Second Corps was engaged, the Fifteenth Kegi- 
ment bore its part, is in itself sufficient history. 

On the 22d of June, the regiment, dwindled down to five officers and 
about seventy muskets, confronted the enemy near the Jerusalem Plank-road, 
before Petersburg. A break, or gap, in the line of battle, allowed the enemy 
to throw a large force on the flank and in the rear of the second division. 
Second Corps. Hidden from view by a dense undergrowth, the manoeuvre 
was not comprehended until too late. The first intimation of the position of 
affairs was a demand from the enemy to surrender. Taken thus by surprise, 
and overwhelmed by numbers, the remnant of the regiment was captured 
almost entire. Four officers and about sixty-five men were marched off pris- 
oners of war : one officer and some five men escaped to tell the story. This 
officer was wounded the same day, and shortly after the disaster, with the few 
remaining men, whose number was increased by the arrival of convalescents, 
was placed for a few days in another command, until officers of the regi- 
ment, who had been wounded in the campaign, and who were on their way to 
the front from hospital, should arrive. 

On the twelfth day of July, the regiment was ordered to proceed to the city 
of Worcester, Mass., to be mustered out of service ; its term of three years 
having expired. One company, not mustered in until Aug. 5, 1861, was 
left in the field : the balance, increased by detachments of sick and wounded 
men whose condition was such as enabled them to travel, men on detached 
service, &c., entered tli£ city of Worcester about one hundred and fifty strong. 
The reception these men received will never be forgotten as long as life and 
memory shall be granted them. 

His Excellency Gov. Andrew and staff", together with his Honor 
Mayor Lincoln and the city authorities of Boston, welcomed the regiment 
home, thanking the men in eloquent woixls for the part they had borne in 
their country's struggle, and alluding with tender respect to the honored dead 
who had fallen in the fight. Both state and city were represented in the 
military escort and procession. The city, decorated with flags, wore a holi- 
day aspect ; and the crowded streets and welcoming shouts gave proof of the 
heartines:i and spirit of the people. 

One week later, the regiment was formally mustered out of the service of 
the United States, and to-day exists only in memory. Its members yet held 



236 3IASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

to service by reason of re-eulistuicnt, or non-expiration of term of service, 
were transferred to the Twentieth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers. 
Four officers were prisoners of war. 

During the year 1864, one officer only of the regiment was killed ; namely, 
Lieut. Simonds, of Fitchburg. A brave soldier, a pure man, his character 
and deeds will ever be remembered by his comrades. 



CHAPTER XL 

SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH REGIMENTS. 

Sixteenth. — Where raised. — Officers. — Col. Wyman. — Capt. Lombard's Account. — Pen- 
insula. — Fredericksburg. — VVapping Heights and Locust Grove. — Chancellorsville. 

— Gettysburg. — Wilderness. — Death of Capt. Rowe. — Cold Harbor. — Petersburg 

— Mustered out. — Seventeenth. — Where recruited. — Officers. — Near Baltimore. — 
Join Gen. Foster. — Expedition from Newbern. — Operations in North Carolina. — Mus- 
tered out. — Return Home. 

SIXTEENTH REGIMENT. 

THIS regiment was composed of troops raised in Middlesex 
County. It was ordered, June 25, to Camp Cameron, Cam- 
bridge ; and in August left for the seat of war, officered as 
follows : — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant -Colonel 

Major 

Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 

Chaplain 



Powell F. Wyman. 
George A. Meacham. 
Daniel S. Lamson. 
Charles C. Jewett. 
Edward A. Winston. 
Arthur B. Fuller. 



Col. Wyman, a graduate of West Point, whose service in the 
regular army was highly honorable, was in Europe when the 
great struggle commenced. Hastening home, he offered himself 
to the country, impatient to lead a regiment to the field of conflict. 
He was placed in command of the Sixteenth. The history of this 
noble regiment is well presented in the sketch given of it by 
Capt. Lombard, which, omitting unimportant particulars, is given 
below. He says, — 

The Sixteenth left the State, Aug. 17, 1861, and proceeded to Baltimore, 
where it remained until Sept. 1 ; when it was ordered to Fortress IMonroe, 
Ya. It remained at the latter post until May, 1862 ; when it triumphantly 
marched into Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, it being the first Union 
regiment which entered those cities. It marched, and joined the Army of the 
Potomac at Fair Oaks, June 13, 1862, and shed its first blood on the 18th 
of the same month in an action known as " Woodland Skirmish." For its 

237 



238 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. ' 

gallantry and good conduct at that time, Gen. Hooker complimented Col. 
Wynian and the regiment with the remark, "I can trust them anywhere." 
In this skirmish, Lieut. F. P. H. Rogers was mortally wounded. From a 
long and intimate acquaintance with Lieut. Rogers, I learned the more to 
esteem him. His whole heart was in the cause he had espoused. All were 
sad that so good and efficient an officer should thus early fall. 

The regiment was next engaged at Peach Orchard, June 25. On the 30th, 
at Glcndale, the Sixteenth won for itself true glory. At this time, Color-Sero-t. 
J. F. CapeDe distinguished himself in the manner with which he carried the 
colors in action, and his conduct while there. In the early part of the l)attle. 
Col. Wyman fell. Without a syllable from his lips, he passed from this to 
the unknown world. He was a true patriot and noble commander. All the 
traits of a good soldier were illustrated in his character. No pen can describe 
the feelings of the officers and men when they knew he was no more. The 
heart alone knows the bitterness of such a moment. In Gen. Hooker's letter 
to Gov. Andrew on the death of Wyman, we find the following sentence : 
" There is no doubt but at Glendale the Sixteenth Massachusetts saved the 
army." 

At Malvern Hill, July 1, Bristow Station, Aug. 27, the Sixteenth took 
part. 

Aug. 29 and 30, we were engaged at the battle of second Bull Run. 
Lieuts. Darricott and Banks were killed. Lieut. Darricott was a faitliful of- 
ficer, and by his heroic endurance while in feeble health won for himself the 
respect of both officers and men. Lieut. Hiram Banks (a brother of Gen. 
Banks) joined the regiment at Fortress Monroe. His career was indeed 
glorious. His more than ordinary ability, firmness, and decision, gave him 
marked distinction among his fellow-officers. 

Dec. 12, 13, and 14, at Fredericksburg, where Northern blood drenched 
the banks of the Rappahannock, jjerhaps no one officer more distinguished 
himself than the lamented Arthur B. Fuller. Chaplain Fuller was then out 
of service, having been discharged for disability; but being there, and seeing 
the heroism of our troops, he could not resist the opportunity to prove by acts 
his love for the cause, and by example his unfeigned patriotism. No hero 
deserves a brighter page in history than this departed patriot. 

The first battle fought by the Army of the Potomac in 1863 will ever be 
remembered, — Chancellorsville. In this engagement, Capt. A. J. Dallas 
was killed, and Lieuts. Hiram Rowe and Samuel G. Savage mortally wounded. 
In Capt. Dallas's character, strict integrity, morality, and patriotism were 
most prominent. Lieut. Rowe was promoted from the ranks, a youn"- man 
of great promise, honest, a, strict disciplinarian, brave to a fault, and in every 
sense a good soldier. Lieut. Savage was one of the few men who " know 
themselves." He entered the service a corporal ; and, by strict attention to 
duty, he won the respect and confidence of his superiors, and was promoted for 
good conduct on the field. 

The name of Gettysburg is immortal. We cannot think of the first, sec- 



THE SIXTEENTH AT CHANCELLORSVILLE. 239 

ond, and third days of July, 1863, without feelings of sorrow, yet mingled 
with pride, — sorrow for the dead and suffering soldiers and mourning friends, 
pride that victory had perched upon our banners. Capts. King, Roche, 
and Lieut. Brown, fell upon the field, Capt. Johnson mortally wounded, and 
several other officers slightly wounded. Captain L. G. King was a good 
officer, true to the cause he so early espoused ; never flinching, but always 
foremost in the fight. He was possessed of great powers of endurance. 

Capt. David W. Roche was one of Ireland's most noble sons, j)ossessed of 
the real Irish impetuosity and courage. All who knew him honored him for 
his devotion to his adopted country, and love for our flag, under which he so 
freely ofiered up his life. 

Lieut. Brown was particularly distinguishetl for modesty, coolness, and 
true courage. None knew him but to love and honor him. 

The name of Capt. C. Robinson Johnson will awaken in the heart of 
every soldier of the Sixteenth a feeling of respect and love which can only die 
when the last patriot of the Sixteenth is no more. . . . 

Wapping Heights, Locust Grove, and Mine Run, end the list of battles for 
1862 and 1863. Two years and six months of the three' years had passed. 
The record is a proud one. All could say in truth, " We have done what we 
could to sustain the honor of the old Commonwealth." I now conimeneo that 
part of our history fraught with the most important results, and by far the 
severest and hardest year's service, — 1864. 

The new year found the regiment encamped at Brandy Station, Va. ; where 
it remained until May 3. This was a day of labor. The old huts were 
levelled, grounds cleaned, and tents pitched. At dark it received orders to 
move at midnight. Rations were issued, and all things were ready. Prompt 
to the hour, we marched, and bade adieu to our old camps ; and, amid the 
shades of night, we cast the last lingering look on the ruins where we had 
passed so many happy hours. 

May 4, the Sixteenth crossed ihe. Rapidan, and at three, p.m., encamped 
on the battle-ground of Chancellorsville. Many things contributed to remind 
the men of their last year's experience on this spot. The bones of their fallen 
companions, whitened by the winter's frosts, lay scattei-ed through the woods; 
while here and there " were blooming in innocent beauty the violet and other 
spring-flowers." 

The next day, the Sixteenth met the enemy's skirmishers on the Brock 
Road, in the Wilderness. The entire corps was hotly engaged until eight, p.m., 
without any material change of lines. 

Next morning. May 6, the sun rose on a cloudless sky, but was soon ob- 
scured by the smoke of battle. At six, a.m., the entire line was advanced 
about one mile, the battle raging fiercely until eleven, a.m., when the heavy 
re-enforcements of the enemy were thrown in masses upon our lines. At this 
time, the Sixteenth showed its real pluck, and held the ground until the en- 
tire line both to the right and left had fallen back. We retired slowly, con- 
testing each foot of ground until we reached the works, when we were assigned 



240 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the right of the brigade along the second luie of works. At five, p.m., Gen. 
Longstreet's corps made its famous charge upon our line. The advance line 
of battle fought the masses of the enemy until their ammunition was expended ; 
when they were obliged to evacuate the works, and seek shelter at our i^ear. 
While so doing, the enemy occupied the advance line. In a moment, as if 
by magic, the Sixteenth leaped the works, and charged the enemy, forcing him 
back, and captured a large number of prisoners. The brave and impetuous 
lieutenant, William Ross, was the first to reach the captured works. The flao- 
of the Sixteenth first waved over them after their recapture. 

Col. McAllister, commanding brigade, particularly mentioned the Sixteenth, 
in his official report, for its good conduct. 

In this day's fighting, Capt. Jos. S. Hills and Lieut. John H. Woodfin 
were killed. 

Capt. Hills was a young man of gi-eat promise. lie entered the service 
as a sergeant, and was the first promoted from the ranks. No officer in the 
regiment had a more enviable record. In battle he knew not fear, and 
obeyed and executed orders with that alacrity which distinguishes a good 
soldier. Firmness, strict temperance, and morality, were traits in his charac- 
ter which stood forth so prominent, that none failed to observe. Lieut. J. H. 
Woodfin was a good officer, and, like Capt. Hills, was promoted from the 
ranks. 

From the 7th to the 10th of May, we marched from the Wilderness to 
Spottsylvania, moving by the left flank ; each day erecting froin one to three 
lines of earth-works. 

May 10, at eight, a.m., the regiment was ordered out as skirmishers, and 
were immediately engaged. Remained on the line and under fire all day. 

The fourth was now consolidated with tlie third division, and the Sixteenth 
attached to the second brigade. 

The 12th was a memorable day for the Army of the Potomac and for the 
country. Before daylight, the Second Corps was formed in line of battle, and 
advanced (over the grounds on which the Sixteenth had skirmished two days 
previous) : taking the enemy by surprise, we were in their camps while they 
were yet sleeping. The result of that day's action, in captures of guns and 
prisoners, is well known. The Sixteenth is entitled to a share of the glory. 
After the capture of their line, the enemy rallied, and the almost bloodless 
victory of the morning was soon turned to a severe battle. At twelve, M., 
the Sixteenth was ordered to the right, along tlie crest of a hill, where the 
enemy had regained a few rods of the works lost in the morning. Alonw the 
entire line, this seemed the only contested spot. Our object was, that 
the enemy should capture no more of the works, and that a steady fire be 
kept up, so that no re-enforcements could reach those alreadv there. 

The musketry fire was terrific. It was at this point that a tree, some 
fourteen inches in diameter, was actually cut down with bullets ; it beino- 
between the fire of the contending parties. Regiment after regiment was 
thrown into this deadly position, and were cut down before the terrific fire 



AT PETERSBURG. 241 

like grass. Indeed, the blood flowing from so many killed and wounded, 
mixing with the rain then falling, gave the running water the appearance of 
streams of blood. 

The men fired upwards of three hundred rounds of ammunition, of various 
caliber ; after which they were relieved to clean their pieces. 

In this action our loss was heavy, including Licut.-Col. Waldo Merriam, 
then commanding the regiment, killed. He was a brave and good officer, for- 
getting self while serving his country, and ever willing to sacrifice personal 
comforts for his country's good. 

From May 10 to the 20th the regiment was under fire each day, within one 
mile of the Spottsylvania battle-field. 

Advancing on the 21st, the regiment reached the North Anna 
on the 23d, and crossed next morning nnder a terrible fire from 
the enemy's artillery. Continuing the march in a south-easterly 
direction, the Sixteenth reached the Pamunkcy on the 28th, and 
took np a position thirteen miles from Richmond. On the 29th, 
advanced the lines about three miles, and, on the 31st, moved 
across a miry swamp, drove the enemy from their guns, and con- 
tinued the advance across an open held, under a severe fire of 
grape and canister. The men never flinched, and the regiment 
never acquitted itself more honorably. It was relieved at dark. 
In this encounter, Capt. John Rowe was mortally wounded. 

Capt. Rowe entered the service a sergeant ; was promoted for good conduct 
and faithful service. From a long and intimate acr[uaintance, I learned to 
prize him for his sterling traits of character, and kindness of heart. In his 
death, the country lost a good soldier, his widowed mother a noble son, and 
bis comrades an associate whose life is worthy of emulation. 

From the 1st to the 14th of June, the regiment marched from 
Cold Harbor to Windmill Point ; crossing the Chickahominy on 
the 13th, and the James next day. On the loth, at twelve at 
night, reached the outer works of Petersburg. These works were 
captured by the colored troops. The next day, the regiment was 
employed in turning the captured works. At the close of the 
day, it was liotly engaged with the enemy. In this action, it lost 
several of its best men in killed and wounded. June 17, the 
Sixteenth was under hre all day, losing several men. The same 
experience was repeated for several days in succession until the 
23d, when the regiment took ])Osition near tlie Strong House, 
where it remained until the night of July 11 : it then left the 
front for Massachusetts, to be mustered out, having served the full 
term of three years. The regiment reached home on the 22d, 
and were mustered out on the 27th, of July, 1864. 

31 



242 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Five officers and a hundred and ninety-six men remained at 
the front, — the men either recruits or veterans. They were 
formed into a battalion, and attached to the Eleventh Massachu- 
setts ; and were afterwards made a part of that organization by 
the act of consolidation. 

SEVENTEENTH EEGIMENT. 

Eight companies from the county of Essex, one from Middle- 
sex, and one from Sussex, formed the Seventeenth Regiment. 

It was recruited at Lynnfield ; and Aug. 23, 1861, under com- 
mand of Lieut. -Col. Fellows, left the State for Baltimore, Md., 
where it remained for several months. Capt. T. J. C. Amory, 
United-States army, was commissioned colonel, but acted as 
brigadier-general much of the time, leaving Lieut.-Col. Fellows 
in command of the regiment. 

The officers were, — 

Colonel T. J. C. Amory. 

Lieutenant- Colonel .... JoLa F. Fellows. 

Major ...... Jones Frankle. 

Surgeon Isaac F. Galloupe. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . . W. H. W. Hinds. 

Chaplain William D. Haley. 

While stationed near Baltimore, Major-Gen. Dix, who com- 
manded the Department of Maryland, ordered, in the autumn, 
six companies to Accomac County, Va., to suppress hostile 
demonstrations. This expedition was entirely successful ; and, 
returning, the troops spent the winter in the usual routine of 
camp-life. 

With the opening of spring, the regiment joined Major-Gen. 
Foster's command at Newborn, N. C. The troops were here 
almost constantly employed in skirmishing and on picket ; but 
until Gen. Foster's advance upon Goldsborough, N. C, in the 
second week of December, 1862, no severe engagement with the 
enemy had tested their soldierly qualities. Lieut.-Col. Fellows 
wrote an interesting letter at the termination of this important 
movement, to make a plain statement of facts which should show 
that the Seventeenth " brought no discredit upon the State." 

On Thursday, lltli inst., an expedition, nundjering from thirteen thousand, 
to fifteen thousand troops, started from Newbern for the interior. Nothing 
of particular interest occurred until the following Sunday, when, on approach- 



THE SEVENTEENTH AT GOLDSBOROUGII. 243 

ing Kinston, tbu advance-guard, composed of the Ninth New- Jersey, and 
Wessel's brigade, were engaged with the enemy, the Seventeenth leading. 
The first brigade was next called ; and I was ordered to report to Gen. Wessel, 
who sent me to support a battery on the right that was in great danger from 
an attack. We were afterwards again ordered forward to support another 
battery, and then, with the Ninth New-Jersey, to advance, and flank the 
enemy. At this point, the regiment was detached from the brigade, and 
ordered to co-operate with the Ninth New-Jersey ; which arrangement con- 
tinued until our return to Newbern. We advanced together, and were the 
first resriments to cross the bridge and enter Kinston, where we took many 
prisoners. We were then ordered on provost-duty, but suljsequently received 
an order to rejoin the brigade, which had not crossed the bridge. On our 
way, I was met by Gen. Foster, who ordered me back, as the rebel general, 
Evans, had taken position on the hill beyond the town, and he (Gen. Foster) 
was " going to knock him out of it." We returned, but the enemy left; and 
we were again ordered on provost-duty. The next morning, the march was 
resumed towards Goldsborough, and the Seventeenth was selected for the ad- 
vance. This continued through the next day, when, approaching Whitehall, 
we were engaged by the enemy, who were on the opposite bank of the river, 
and protected by earthworks and dense woods. After a fight of three or four 
hours, it being impossible to ford the river, and the bridge across it having 
been burned, we continued on our w^y, the Seventeenth yet in advance. 
The next day, upon nearing Goldsborough, I increased my line of skirmishers 
by adding Company C to Company F. They were in command of Capt. 
Fuller. They were soon fired upon ; but they drove the enemy before them. 
The main object of the expedition was to burn a railroad bridge, destroy the 
track, and cut off communication. As the railroad bridge was then in sight, 
and occupied by a large rebel force, I turned to the left, through a wood 
which was occupied by a camp of rebels. We pushed onward, with skir- 
mishers deployed, and gained the railroad, driving the enemy before us. I 
was then ordered to approach the bridge, leaving the skirmishers, under Capt. 
Fuller, to watch the enemy ; but, on approaching the bridge, we were opened 
upon by a heavy fire of artillery in front, and nmsketry from the woods on 
both sides. We continued to advance, and arrived within ten feet of the 
bridge, using the banks of the road as a temporary shelter. The shells from 
our own artillery falling immediately in front of us, and not being willing to 
lose ray men by our own fire, I sent to the officer in command of the artillery 
to change his direction; which had no efiect. I then went myself, and repre- 
sented that he was doing us more harm than the enemy : this had the desired 
effect. Upon my return, Morrison's battery came up, and took position near 
our flag, on the right flank. I pointed out to the captain the bridge and the 
depot beyond, where a train had just arrived with re-enforcements for the 
enemy. Giving his orders with coolness and judgment, he planted a shell 
directly among them, and kept up a steady fire in that direction. Meanwhile, 
the shot and shell from the enemy's artillery came thick and fast among us, 



244 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

yet not a man quailed; and my orders were obeyed with as much coolness as if 
they were upon a battalion drill. I sheltered the men in a hollow, directly in 
rear of the artillery, and was then notified that two men from each of the 
two regiments were to be sent to fire the bridge. I called for volunteers ; 
and Barney Mann, our late adjutant, offered to find them. A short time 
after, I saw him wounded, and then learned that he had gone himself, with 
another man, for the purpose : the two from the Ninth New-Jersey were also 
there, and the bridge was fired. I was then notified that the object of the 
expedition was accomplished ; and Gen. Foster gave the credit of it to the 
two regiments. 

The Seventeenth remained in Newbern, doing provost-guard 
duty, during the winter of 1863. Early in the spring, it was re- 
lieved, and, April 7, marclied, under tlie command of Brig.-Gen. 
Spinola, to the relief of Washington, N. C, then besieged by 
Long-street's division of the enemy, who was posted in a strong, 
natural position, and in large force, at Blount's Creek. After 
fighting him two hours, and deeming it impracticable to continue 
the battle against great odds. Gen. Spinola returned to Newbern, 
reaching there on the evening of the 10th. 

On the 17th, the regiment again left Newbern, under Major- 
Gen. Foster, for a second attempt to reach Washington. On the 
same day, however, the siege was raised, and the enemy withdrew ; 
so that nothing was seen of him except his rear-guard, many of 
whom were captured by Gen. Foster's cavalry. 

On the 28th, a movement was made on the enemy at Dover 
Station by a force oh the railroad, and one on the Neuse Road ; 
the whole under the command of Brig.-Gen. J. N. Palmer. A 
skirmish took place; but. the enemy retreated. The Seventeenth 
was engaged, but suffered no loss. 

May 1, it returned to Newbern. July 4, left again, as a part 
of a force, under Brig.-Gen. Hcckman, designed to support a raid 
on the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. The object of the ex- 
pedition was successfully accomplished ; and the force returned to 
Newbern on the 7th, 

On the 25th, the regiment left Newbern, as cavalry support, on 
another expedition against Weldon. At Mount-Tabor Church, it 
came suddenly upon a camp of the Twelfth Nortli-Carolina Bat- 
talion (rebel), which it captured, with thirty-two prisoners. The 
cavalry, however, were not able to reach Weldon, but penetrated 
as far as Jackson, where a fight occurred. They took fifty pris- 
oners, burned the rebel camp, and retired to Winton, whence 
the reo'iment re-embarked for Newbern, It remained in barracks 



NEWBERN, WASHINGTON, ETC. 245 

on the Trent, wlien it was ordered to move into town, and relieve 
the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts. 

The Seventeenth was on provost-duty until Feb. 1, when it 
went to the asistance of the One Hundred and Thirty-second New- 
York Vohinteer Infantry, whose pickets and camp, nine miles 
from Newbern, were attacked. Tiie enemy carried the bridge at 
Batchelder's Creek, soon crossed over, and, their force numbering 
fifteen thousand men, succeeded, under cover of the woods and 
fog, in flanking our little force. 

The fog was so thick, that their movements coukl not be seen. 

Finding resistance useless against the overwhelming force the enemy 
brought against this little body, numbering only a hundred and two men and 
thirteen officers, the order was given to fall back to the crossing of the rail- 
road and Trent Road to make another stand. At this time, t he remainder of 
the Union force had retreated, leaving the Seventeenth alone to check the 
advance of the enemy. Soon after, Lieut. -Col. J. F. Fellows, Surgeon I. F. 
Galloupe, Adjutant H. A. Cheever, — who was severely wounded, — Capt. 
J. K. Lloyd, First Lieuts. B. N. Mann, L. B. Comins, jun., J. B. Hill, 
and J. W. Day, were taken prisoners, together with fifty-eight enlisted men. 
Three were killed, and three badly wounded. Lieut. Cann succeeded in 
saving the flag of the One Hundred and Thirty-second New- York, which 
they left flying in their camp when they retreated, and, with twenty men, 
partly succeeded in destroying their camp. 

The enemy, under command of Pickett, marched, with little opposition, 
nearly to the works in front of Newbern. After waiting three days, the enemy 
withdrew without assaulting the works. While the eijemy were in front, the 
SevcnteenUi were at the breastworks, and doing the advance picketing. 

On the 18th of April, 18C4, eight companies left Newbern in 
transports for Washington, N.C., which was threatened by the 
enemy. After capturing Plymouth, he moved on Washington, 
which was evacuated April 30 ; and the troops returned to New- 
bern, May 1. In the fighting at Washington, the Seventeenth lost 
two men killed. 

The next day, the regiment was relieved from provost-duty, and 
changed its camp. Until July 16, skirmishing, garrisoning Fort 
Spinola, and holding other positions, occupied the men ; when the 
troops whose time had expired embarked for homo. Those whose 
time of service had not expired were consolidated into three 
companies, forming a battalion, under command of Capt. Henry 
Splaine. 

On the '27th, these men moved to Newport Barracks, twenty-six miles 
from Newbern, on the railroad to Beaufort, N.C., where they remained until 



246 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Sept. 23, when all of the veterans received a furlough of forty days in 
Massachusetts, and embarked at Fort-Spinola Wharf on the steamer " Dud- 
ley Buck." Arrived at Fortress Monroe on the 25th. New York on the 
27th, and at Boston on the 2Sth. They were received by the Boston Cadets, 
and escorted to Faneuil Hall, where, after partaking of a collation, the men 
were furloughed until Nov. 7. 

They left Boston on the 10th, arrived at Newport Barracks on the 20th, 
and were on picket-duty. 

Col. Thomas J. C. Amory, who had been commanding the sub-district of 
Beaufort, N.C., for several months, died at Beaufort, Oct. 7, of yellow- 
fever. 

Capt. Splaine's battalion was engaged several months in outpost- 
duty, and guarding railroad lines between Newbern and Morehead 
City. Meanwhile, four hundred and fifty men were transferred 
from the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery to the Seven- 
teenth, March 4, 18G5. It was then transferred to the third 
brigade, second division, District of Newbern, under command of 
Gen. S. P. Carter, of Tennessee. Lieut.-Col. H. Splaine, who 
had been promoted, commanded the brigade, and Major W. "W. 
Smith the regiment. The forces then moved to Gum Swamp 
and Wise's Forks, and fortified their position. The next morning, 
March 8, an attack was made by Gen. Bragg with fourteen thou- 
sand men, capturing the second brigade entire. Companies 
of the Seventeenth showed great bravery in attempting the 
recapture of a gun which had been taken from the second brigade. 
For three days the fight continued with varying fortunes, when 
the rebels were repulsed by a gallant charge, in which the 
Seventeenth bore its port. The regiment entered Kinston and 
Goldsborough on the 20th ; and on the 25th a junction was 
made with Gen. Sherman's army. After an encounter with 
Wheeler's cavalry, the regiment entered Raleigh on the 10th of 
April ; and the next day the Seventeenth marched alone towards 
Greensborough. It was employed there as provost-guard, winning 
respect by its excellent conduct, until July 11, when it was mus- 
tered out, and the men returned to Readville, Mass., to be paid, 
and return to their homes. 



CHAPTER XII. 

EIGHTEENTH AND NINETEENTH REGIMENTS. 

The Mustering of the Eighteenth Regiment, and its Officers. — xMarch to the Front. — In 
the Campaign of the Peninsula. — From the Chickahominy to Boston. — The Nine- 
teenth. — Colonel Hinks and his Heroic Command. 

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT. 

EIGHT companies of the Eighteenth, recruited chiefly from 
the counties of Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, were mus- 
tered into the service of the United States, Aug. 27, 1861 ; leaving 
the two companies necessary to complete the organization of the 
regiment to be added subsequently. The next day it left the 
State, under orders for Washington, with a full complement of 
officers, and eight hundred and ninety-one men. Field and staff 
officers were as follow : — 



Colonel . 
Lieutenant -Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assis'ant Surgeon 
Chaplain . 



James Barnes, Springfield. 
Timothy Ingrabam, New Bedford. 
Joseph Hayes, Boston. 
David P. Smith, Springfield. 
Orlando Brown, Wrentham. 
Benj. F. De Costa, Charlestown. 



On reaching the capital, the regiment was ordered, Sept. 3, to 
cross the river, and report to Gen. Fitz John Porter. It was as- 
signed by him to the first brigade of his division, commanded by 
Brig.-Gen. J. H. Martindale, and encamped near Fort Corcoran. 
Here it was engaged in drilling, and in working on the intrencli- 
ments then constructing for the defence of the capital. Sept. 26, 
the army advanced ; and the regiment moved forward with the 
division, and took position at Hall's Hill. During the months of 
October and November, the two companies in wliich the regiment 
was deficient were added ; making the number of enlisted men 
nine hundred and ninety-five. 



247. 



248 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The time allowed at Port Corcoran and Hall's Hill for the in- 
struction and drilling of the regiment was improved by its officers ; 
and the command attained a high degree of discipline, and a 
commendable proficiency in military drill and exercise. Here the 
regiment was complimented by the commanding general of the 
division with a new outfit of uniforms and camp-equipage. 

Leaving Hall's Hill March 10, 18G2, the regiment arrived in 
front of the defences of Yorktown April 5. Here, acting as 
skirmishers and in support of batteries engaged, the regiment, 
or a portion of it, was almost every day, during the siege, under 
the fire of the enemy. Leaving Yorktown May 7, it reached 
Kidd's Mills on the 22d, where it was supplied by Government 
with the Springfield rifled muskets, as a substitute for the smooth- 
bore, which, up to this time, had been in use by the regiment. 
On the 26th, it marched to Gaines's Mills, on the Chickahominy. 
Immediately on reaching this point, and during a furious storm, 
eight companies of the regiment were ordered on picket-duty. 
Subsequently, during the night, orders came to relieve them, as 
the division, under the command of Gen. Morell, was to move to 
Hanover Court House the following day. The division moved at 
three o'clock in the morning of tlie 27th ; but the companies of 
the Eighteenth that had already been on duty twenty-four hours 
were ordered to remain behind, and rest a few hours in camp. 

In consequence of this delay, the regiment had not the good 
fortune to arrive at Hanover Court House in time to share in the 
honors of the victory gained by the division. Returning, the 
regiment remained in camp at Gaines's Mills until the 26tli of 
June, when, a movement upon the right flank of our army being 
anticipated, an expedition, consisting of light cavalry and artillery, 
with two regiments of infantry to act as light troops, and placed 
under the command of Gen. Stoneman, was started from the 
camp of Porter's corps. The Eighteenth Massacluisetts was se- 
lected as one of the infantry regiments for the expedition, and 
thus became temporarily detached from the rest of the division 
during the battles of Chickahominy and Malvern Hill. On the 
2d of July, the regiment was at Harrison's Landing ; and, on the 
14th following (Col. Barnes, a brave and high-toned man in all 
respects, having been assigned to the command of the brigade), 
the command of tlie regiment devolved upon Lieut.-Col. Hayes. 

Leaving Harrison's Landing, the regiment marched, via Wil- 
liamsburg and Yorktown, to Hampton, wliere, owing to a severe 
illness contracted on the Peninsula, Lieut.-Col. Hayes was com- 



BATTLES OF BULL RUN, ANTIETAM, FREDERICKSBURG. 249 

pelled to leave the regiment for a few days ; and the command 
devolved on Capt. Stephen Thomas, the senior officer present. 
Proceeding vid Acquia Creek, Falmouth, Warrenton, and Thor- 
oughfare Gap, the regiment arrived at Bull Run on the 30th of 
August, in time to participate in the second battle on this already 
noted field. The total loss of the regiment in this l)attle, being 
fifty-two per cent of the whole number engaged, is a sufficient 
proof of its steadiness and gallantry, and of how well it merited 
the great praise it received from both division and corps com- 
manders. It was the first regiment of the division to advance to 
the attack, and the last to retire from the field. Here fell some 
of those gallant officers whose names henceforth will be borne 
upon the list of those who have made Massachusetts honored in the 
annals of this contest for freedom. Sept. 1, Col. Hayes, having 
joined his regiment, assumed command. Although not having 
for the space of twenty days enjoyed an interval of twenty-four 
hours' rest, the regiment set out upon its march to Maryland, 
reaching the battle-ground of Antietam Sept. 16. On the 17th, 
it was placed in support of batteries engaged ; and the next twenty- 
four hours it was on picket-duty at Stone Bridge. Under com- 
mand of Lieut.-Col. Hayes, the regiment crossed the river, leading 
the advance, and commenced the action of Shepardston. The 
regiment remained encamped near Sharpsburg until the 30th of 
October, when it recrossed the Potomac, and continued its advance 
mitil it reached the river opposite Fredericksburg, where it re- 
mained during the bombardment imtil the 13th of December, when, 
under command of Lieut.-Col. Hayes as the leading regiment of 
the corps, it crossed the river, and engaged in the battle of Freder- 
icksburg. Here it well sustained the reputation for discipline and 
valor it had previously earned. In a charge made by order of the 
general of the division, the regiment nearly penetrated the enemy's 
fortified position upon Mary's Heights ; but, being unsupported, 
it was compelled to fall back, with a loss, in killed and wounded, 
equal to nearly one-half of its number. Having rallied again, it 
occupied the most advanced position gained by the corps, which 
position *it held throughout the battle. Here several officers fell ; 
and it is believed that the dead of this regiment lay nearer the 
enemy's works than those of any other engaged on this part of 
the field. 

On the 31st of December, the brigade recrossed the river, the 
Eighteenth leading, and the men fording the water waist-deep. 
In May following, it was present at and participated in the battle 

32 



250 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

of Chaucellorsville. July 1, the regiment was within three miles 
of Gettysburg, and participated in the decisive battles of the next 
two days. 

Following up the flying columns of Gen. Lee, the 8th of Sep- 
tember found the regiment encamped at Beverly Ford, Va. About 
this time, Col. Hayes was placed in command of the brigade, leav- 
ing Major White in command of the regiment. Oct. 12, it moved 
in line of battle to Brandy Station ; but, the enemy retreating, it 
marched to Manassas Junction, and formed a line of battle there. 
It was afterwards ordered back to support the Second Corps en- 
gaged with the enemy at Bristow's Station. Nov. 7, under the 
command of Lieut.-Col. White, the regiment was engaged in bat- 
tle at Rappahannock Station ; and on the 29th and 30th, it was in 
line of battle before the enemy's works at Mine Hill. The regi- 
ment marched Dec. 3, to Beverly Ford, and encamped. Here 
about one-third of its force was detailed for outpost-duty. On 
the 1st of May following, the regiment broke camp, crossed the 
Rappahannock, and encamped near Brandy Station. May 3, 
marched near Culpeper. On the nest day, the regiment, com- 
manded by Col. Hayes, and consisting of twenty officers and two 
hundred and ninety-six men, forming a part of the third brigade, 
first division. Fifth Corps, left camp near Culpeper, crossed the 
Rapidan, and marched to the Wilderness Church, where it bivou- 
acked for the night. Next morning, in consequence of a report 
that the enemy was moving down the Stone Road, the division 
commenced throwing up a defence of logs and earth near where 
it had bivouacked. Col. Hayes was directed to take the Eigh- 
teenth Massachusetts . and the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, move up the Stone Road, and discover the force and inten- 
tions of the enemy. The two regiments moved up to the picket- 
line ; and two companies of the Eighteenth were detailed to be 
moved forward as skirmishers, and placed under the command of 
Capt. Bent. It was quickly ascertained that the enemy was pres- 
ent in force, and was briskly engaged in throwing up breastworks. 
In this movement, Charles Wilson of Company I, the first man 
lost in this campaign, was killed. 

The regiment was now joined on its left by a brigade of the 
fourth division, and on its right by the Eighty-third Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. At the command to advance, the division moved for- 
ward across an open space, and into the woods beyond. The 
enemy fell back, leaving his wounded and forty prisoners in our 
hands. The regiment returned through the woods to the breast- 



THE EIGHTEENTH AT SPOTTSYLVANIA. 251 

works. During this movement, Col. Hayes was severely wounded 
in the head by a bullet. 

Next day, the Eighteenth Regiment was sent out as skirmishers ; 
and, being ordered to move forward in advance of a line of troops 
sent to ascertain if the enemy remained in front, his skirmishers 
fell back to his line of battle, where he was found to be strongly 
posted with infantry and artillery. 

The troops were now withdrawn, and the regiment relieved of 
picket-duty. After dusk, the brigade left its position, and, march- 
ing all night, reached Laurel Hill about daybreak. Here no time 
was allowed for the men to rest or take food ; but, without halting, 
they were marched forward against an intrenched position. The 
brigade was formed in two lines, the Eighteenth Massachusetts on 
the right of the second line, and the First Michigan on the left. 
The assault was repulsed, and the brigade fell back. 

The regiment was now again joined to the second brigade, and, 
on the night of the 13th of May, marched to the left of the Ninth 
Corps over a very heavy road ; arriving in an exhausted condition, 
in the morning, in front of Spottsylvania. Here it was placed in 
line of battle, and remained until the* 17th, when it was moved 
forward to the picket-line, and worked all night throwing iip rifle- 
pits, behind which the regiment remained until the 20th. 

The brigade was withdrawn from line, and marched to the North 
Anna River, which it forded on the 23d. As soon as the bri- 
gade had reached the south bank, the Eighteenth was detached 
from it, and sent to occupy a hill to the front and left of the 
crossing. A part of the regiment was disposed on the crest of the 
hill, behind hastily constructed breastworks ; and two companies 
were sent out, under command of Capts. Dallas and Pray, to pre- 
vent the enemy from occupying the woods directly in front of the 
line. These were actively engaged nearly an hour before the 
furious attack was made by Hill's corps on the division. In this 
attack, Lieut.-Col. White received a severe wound in his hand, 
disabling him ; and the command devolved upon Capt. Meservey, 
the senior officer present. 

June 1, the brigade took up a new position, the Eighteenth on 
the right. A swampy and heavily wooded ravine, separating the 
regiment from Burnside's corps, ran perpendicular to the line of 
battle, and extended nearly to the enemy's intrenchments. 

Here the regiment commenced throwing up a defence of rails 
and logs, but had made little progress, when the enemy, suddenly 
debouching from the ravine, where he had formed unobserved, 



252 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

drove in the pickets, and made a vigorous attack, with the design 
of turning the riglit flank of the brigade. He advanced the colors 
of his first two regiments to witliin forty yards of our line, but 
was met with so rapid and accurate a fire, that he halted, lay 
down, and afterwards retired under cover of the darkness. The 
regiment, having exhausted its ammunition, held the position by 
bayonet until re-enforcements arrived. The breastworks so effect- 
ually covered the men, that the casualties were few. The next 
day, the regiment withdrew; and, after frequent skirmishing with 
the enemy, the brigade reached the Chickahominy at Sumner's 
Bridge on the morning of June 7, the Eighteenth having the 
advance of the column. 

The enemy's pickets being found in force upon the left bank of 
the river, the regiment was ordered to drive them across, and 
secure the bridge-head ; which was promptly done by Capt. Bent 
with a skirmish-line of fifty men. A short skirmish-line was then 
formed along the bank, and the remainder of the regiment was 
placed in reserve. 

On the 16th of June, the regiment crossed the James River, 
and advanced over a very dusty road to the fortifications before 
Petersburg. Here Major Weston, having returned, assumed 
command. On the 21st, the regiment, having moved farther to 
the left, erected a line of earthworks, which it occupied until the 
20th of July, when, its term of service being about to expii'e, it 
was ordered to iJi-oceed to Washington. The battalion made up of 
the men whose term of service would not expire with that of the 
regiment were detached from it, and remained a part of the third 
brigade. Fifth Corps. This battalion was marched to the Weldon 
Railroad, and for three successive days was engaged with the 
enemy, capturing fifty prisoners and the battle-flag of the Twenty- 
seventh South-Carolina Regiment. Sept. 30, the Fifth Corps 
made an advance, and captured a line of the enemy's works at 
Preble's Farm. The Eighteenth Battalion, in this action, made a 
part of the advance, and did good service, reflecting great credit 
upon both rank and file. 

Capt. Bent was appointed major United-States Volunteers for 
gallant services on that day. The term of service of the officers 
having expired, the battalion was consolidated with the Thirty- 
second Massachusetts Regiment.* 

* This regiment was one of three to which was awarded the splendid outfit fur- 
nished by Americans in Europe for that number of the best-disciplined regiments at 
the time in the Union army. 



BRIG.-GE^r. IIINE8. 253 



BRIG. -GEN. EDWARD WARD HINKS AND THE NINETEENTH 
REGIMENT. 

The prominence of Gen. Hinks in the early action of the State 
for the national defence entitles him to a more extended notice 
than could otherwise be given. He is a native of Maine, and is 
now thirty-six years of age. 

A printer by trade, he removed to Boston soon after his majority, 
and esta'jlishcd himself in business. His character and success 
won the public confidence ; and he was elected to the General 
Court, and also to the City Council. 

When the Rebellion burst upon the country, he was residing in 
Lynn. For several years he had been an active militia-officer, 
and was among the intelligent observers of national affairs who 
anticipated a severe struggle when the hostile elements at the 
South began to organize themselves into opposition to the admin- 
istration of Mr. Lincoln. His correspondence with Major Ander- 
son was a marked illustration of his foresight, and patriotic 
readiness to meet the struggle. 

The next act of similar significance was his visit to Washington, 
in March, 18G1, to ask an appointment in the army of the United 
States. Mr. Cameron assured him that he should be commissioned 
in place of one of the Southern officers who was resigning. 
Scarcely had he been created second lieutenant in the Second 
United-States Cavalry, when the thunder of cannon aimed at 
Sumter awakened the martial spirit of the nation. 

Lieut. Hinks hastened to Boston, April 15, to offer his services 
to the State. Subsequently, he, with several militia officers, met 
the Governor at the Capitol, when his proposal to let eight com- 
panies of the Eighth Regiment, of which he was adjutant, form a 
part of the force of a thousand five hundred men called for, 
was accepted ; and he hastened to rally his men in the towns of 
Lynn, Newburyport, Beverly, and Marblehead. Forcibly wrote 
Lieut. Hinks, — 

The i)Li'aiotic fire spread from man to man, from town to town, from State 
to State, until the whole North was wrapped in one blaze of patriotic devotion 
to the Union ; and men seemed to spring from the earth, completely armed, 
like Minerva from the brain of Jupiter, and crowded forward to protect the 
national capital, and preserve the Federal Union: but, at every point, — at 
Baltimore, at Washington, at Annapolis, at Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, and 
Gosport, — Massachusetts men were to be in the van. 



254 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

When the Eighth Reghnent left Philadelphia, Sept. 20, 1861, 
Gen. Butler gave to Lieut. Hinks, at his own request, the selection 
and organizing of one hundred picked men, armed as sappers and 
miners, with axes, hatchets, spades, picks, sledges, crowbars, and 
saws, to overthrow barricades, construct bridges, and, if necessary, 
force the passage through Baltimore, as our army did at Monterey, 
clearing the way from street to street of that city. 

He led a strange-looking company that morning, attired as the 
men were in blue flannel frocks, close-fitting caps, a hatchet in each 
belt, and, instead of a musket, shouldering lieavy mining-tools. 

At Annapolis, Lieut. Hinks was directed by Gen. Butler to 
board, with his pioneers and Capt. Devereux's Zouaves, "The Con- 
stitution," and lighten and get her off; which was well and quickly 
done. 

When Col. Lefferts, of the New- York Seventh, refused to ad- 
vance, and take possession of the Baltimore and Washington 
Railroad, fearing a large rebel force would oppose, Lieut. Hinks 
volunteered, with two companies of the Eighth, to take the respon- 
sibility, and bravely secured the track, rolling-stock, &c. 

When a few miles from Annapolis, he was met by two mounted 
gentlemen, who desired an interview with him. One of them in- 
quired for what purpose he was invading the State of Maryland. 

" For the purpose of going to the capital of the country." 

" You will be opposed by force." 

" I shall by force go forward, then." 

" You will never be able to reach the capital by this route." 

'' I shall follow this route until I am stopped." 

"There is a large force at the Junction." 

" There will be a larger when we get there." 

" Good-day, sir : we shall be at the Junction to meet you." 

" Good-day, gentlemen : it will be a warm meeting." 

And thus the rebel gentlemen and the lieutenant-colonel of the 
Eighth parted. 

Though ordered to proceed toward Washington, he subse- 
quently remained at the Junction, because the troops, who had 
less confidence in the superior command, would not stay without 
him ; and he reluctantly relinquished the opportunity to which he 
was entitled, of being the first in Washington with his detachment. 

May 14, he joined Gen. Butler in the march on Baltimore. 
His commission as colonel of the Eighth dated from the 1*3 th. 

While at the Relay House, ladies who were friends of the New- 
York Seventh, with a beautiful and complimentary letter to Col. 



THE NINETEENTH AT MERIDIAN HILL. 255 

Hinks, presented his regiment with a splendid flag. Gen. Butler 
sent the banner and letter, accompanied by a note of the warmest 
commendations. 

Gov. Andrew's letter of welcome to Col. Hinks upon the re- 
turn of his troops,— Aug. 1, — contained flattering congratula- 
tions. 

THE NINETEENTH REGIMENT, 

According to the testimony of one high in position, and of influ- 
ence in the Government, "was one of the best and bravest 
regiments of the war." 

It was organized at Camp Schouler, with the three companies 
of First Battalion of Rifles as the nucleus. To these were 
successively added companies from Boston, Lowell, and Maiden ; 
making the number of companies ten. 

The field-officers were as follow : — 

Colonel Edward W. Hinks. 

Lieutenant -Colonel . . . . Arthur F. Devereux. 

Major Henry J. Howe. 

Surgeon J- Franklin Dyer. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Josiali N. Willard. 

Chaplain Joseph C. Cromack. 

Upon the muster-out of the Eighth Regiment, Col. Hinks was 
immediately commissioned as colonel of the Nineteenth, then in 
camp at Lynnfield, and numbering about three hundred and 
ninety men. He was mustered in on the 3d of August, 1861, 
and rapidly recruited, organized, and officered this regiment, 
which has since proved to be one of the best fighting, best disci- 
plined, and most enduring regiments which Massachusetts has 
sent to the war. 

On the 28th of August, 1861, the Nineteenth Regiment broke 
camp at Lynnfield, and took the cars for Boston, where it em- 
barked for the South. On the 29th, it was received and enter- 
tained in New York by the officers of the Seventh Regiment, and 
by the Associated Sons of New England in that city. It reached 
Washington late in the evening of the 30th, and, on the following 
day, went into camp at Meridian Hill ; and here Col. Hinks insti- 
tuted the rigid system of instruction which was observed in the 
regiment as long as he retained command of it. The major 
(Howe) was appointed instructor of officers and men in guard- 



256 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

duty, police, &c. ; the lieutenant-colonel (Devereux) was ap- 
pointed instructor of officers and men in the school of the 
soldier, school of tlie company, &c. ; while the colonel was in- 
structor of the regiment in the school of the battalion and in 
skirmishing, and of the officers in making papers, muster-rolls, and 
returns. The regiment was drilled, by company or by battalion, 
eight hours in each day ; and an officers' school was held at head- 
quarters three evenings each week. 

On the loth of September, this regiment was assigned to the 
brigade of Gen. F. W. Lander, and immediately marched for 
Poolesville, Md., where it arrived on the evening of the 14th, 
and, on the following day, went to Camp Benton, near Edward's 
Ferry. Here the drill and instruction of the regiment were 
continued, interspersed at intervals with picket-duty. Said an 
officer of the regiment (Dr. Dyer) in writing home, Sept. 29, 1861, 
" Through the untiring exertions of Col. Hinks, who is emphati- 
cally a working man, the general condition of the regiment has 
vastly improved : cleanliness and order are strictly enforced. 
Under the superintendence of Lieut.-Col. Devereux, the compa- 
nies have acquired a proficiency in drill not surpassed by many 
older troops. Under charge of Major Howe, the important duties 
of the guard are well attended to. Other departments are in good 
hands, and a system of strict accountability is rigidly enforced." 

On the 21st of October, 1861, Col. Hinks, with his regiment, 
was engaged in the affair at Ball's Bluff; late in the day, covering 
the retreat, and removing the wounded : and he remained in com- 
mand of the troops at Harrison's Island, by order of Gen. Stone, 
until it was finally evacuated by the Federal forces. The report 
of operations made by Col. Hinks at that time occasioned con- 
siderable feeling, and attracted almost universal remark and com- 
ment from the Northern people and press, on account of its plain 
statement of the important affair. 

Oct. 23, Col. Hinks was assigned to the command of the first 
brigade, corps of observation, at Poolesville, to succeed Gen. 
Lander, who was wounded on the 21st in the affair at Edward's 
Ferry, and had been sent to the rear. With this brigade, he 
remained on duty near Edward's Ferry until Dec. 9, when 
he was assigned to the command of a district on the Potomac 
River, from Great Falls to Edward's Ferry, including the post- 
villages of Darnestown and Rockville, where he remained until 
the 8th of March, 1862, when he marched with his regiment to 
join the division then under command of Gen. John Sedge- 



BATTLES OF FAIR OAKS AND OAK GBOVE. 257 

wick, at Harper's Ferry; and thence to Charlestown and Winches- 
ter ; returning soon after, vid Harper's Ferry and Baltimore, to 
Washington, to join Gen. McClollan's army, en route for the 
Peninsula. While in Washington, tlie Nineteenth Regiment en- 
camped east of the Capitol, and was much complimented for its 
excellent discipline, exemplary conduct, and correct drill and 
fine parades. 

March 29, 1862, Col. Hinks, with his command, left Washing- 
ton, and, liaving been compelled by a severe storm to land at 
Point Lookout, Md., arrived at Hampton, Va., on the 31st of 
March, 1862. 

His regiment was now designated to be the first regiment in 
the third brigade, second division, Second Corps d'Armee ; and 
on the 4th of April, 1862, this corps joined in the general move- 
ment of the army towards Yorktown. On the 7th of the same 
month, the Nineteenth Regiment, with tlie Twentieth Massachu- 
setts Regiment, made a reconnoissance of the enemy's works upon 
Warwick River, discovering several rebel batteries, and determin- 
ing tlie position of the enemy's works upon the river. During 
the reconnoissance, several men of the Nineteenth were wounded, 
and one killed. This was probably the first man killed in an en- 
gagement with the enemy on the Peninsula in 1862. 

The Ninteenth participated in the siege of Yorktown, being 
assigned a portion of the time to duty in batteries number seven 
and eight. At daylight on the 4th of May, it entered the enemy's 
abandoned works, and raised the first Union flag which floated 
from the rebel fortifications in the vicinity of Yorktown. 

On the 6th of May, it moved up the river with Sedgewick's divi- 
sion on transports, and on the 7th of May was engaged in the 
affair at West Point. 

Subsequently it was with the Second Corps in the marches to 
the Chickahominy and at the battle of Fair Oaks. On the 25th 
of June, it was ordered by Gen. Scdgewick to prolong Gen. Hook- 
er's line to the right, in the battle of Oak Grove ; wliich movement 
was executed with skill, the troops driving the enemy handsomely 
out of liis rifle-pits on the extreme right of our advanced position ; 
and the Nineteenth Regiment then stood within three miles and a 
half of Richmond. As soon as the enemy yielded before the cool 
and determined fire of the regiment, Col. Hinks ordered, " Cease 
firing!" and, springing to the front of the regiment, exclaimed, 
" Now, boys, we will give them a taste of Massachusetts steel ! " 
and immediately commanded, "Forward!" But, before he 



258 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

could complete the order to charge, he was interrupted by a 
call from Capt. Gaudier, aide to Gen. Hooker, who brought an 
order to fall back to the line of our defences. "But," said 
Col. Hinks, "see what a splendid opportunity I have to make 
a charge, and take colors and prisoners ! " — " The order is 
from Gen. McClellan, and is imperative," said Capt. Candler. 
" Well, hold on to it, then," said Col. Hinks, " and I will show 
you the handsomest charge you ever saw, bring you a thousand 
prisoners, and be on this spot in fifteen minutes from now ! " — "I 
cannot do it," said the captain. " I was directed to order you to 
fall back immediately." — " Very well," said the colonel, and, 
gathering up all his killed and wounded, — about sixty in num- 
ber,— fell back through the swamp to the Union earthworks, 
which for twenty days previous he had occupied, under a continual 
and harassing random fire of the enemy's guns, and where he 
remained until the change of base of the army was progressing. 
He was warmly complimented by Gen. Sedgewick for his gallantry 
and skill, and the excellent behavior of his regiment, in the battle 
of Oak Grove. 

June 27, Sumner's corps followed the army in the retreat to- 
wards the James River ; and, during the day, the Nineteenth was 
in the engagements at Allen's Farm and Savage's Station. 

June 30, he was again in action at White-oak Swamp, and, 
later in the day, at Glendale, where his regiment moved unsup- 
ported against the enemy, before whom a portion of the Penn- 
sylvania Reserves had given way, and restored the Union line, 
retained possession of this part of the field, and secured from 
capture Kirby's Regular Battery, which was in imminent peril. 
In the action at Glendale, Col. Hinks was severely wounded 
by a bullet through the upper portion of the right thigh, re- 
ceiving also a severe contusion in the left ankle, and was 
sent to the rear. For his gallantry and good conduct in bat- 
tle. Col. Hinks was recommended for promotion by Gens. Sedge- 
wick and Sumner; and his regiment was ordered to inscribe 
upon its colors, "Allen's Farm," "Savage's Station," '-White- 
oak Bridge," " Glendale," " Malvern." During the engagement 
of Glendale, Major Howe, a most valuable, efficient, and gallant 
officer, was killed while standing beside the colonel, and at the 
same instant that the colonel was wounded. 

In all the continued fights luitil the army reached the James 
River, the Nineteenth Regiment behaved handsomely and with 
the greatest gallantry, and lost very heavily in killed and wounded. 



THE NINETEENTH AT GLENDALE. 269 

Said Capt. Edmund Rice (since colonel), the ranking officer 
that reached the James River with the regiment, in his report of 
operations of the regiment at G-lendale on the 30th of June, — 

We marched towards the field of action, coming upon it on the double- 
quick and under fire, the action at its height as we came into position. We 
were soon ordered forward into the woods. Marching steadily forward at 
support arms, we entered the woods, cautioned that a line of our own men 
were in front of us, and we were not to fire. We had advanced about fifty 
yards, when a heavy volley was fired into our line, supposed by us to be 
fired at our first line, and seeming, through it, to take efieet on us. We ad- 
vanced still farther, under a continuous fire ; when suddenly two regiments 
of the enemy rose from the ground, at a distance of only a few yards, and 
poured a volley upon us, at so short a range, that our men's fiices were, in 
many instances, singed with the flash of the enemy's muskets; and, on the 
right of the regiment, our men crossed bayonets with the enemy. Under 
these circumstances, our men did all that men could do, firing upon the heavy 
masses of the enemy unceasingly. Some portions of our line had already 
given way, unable to withstand the withering fire of the enemy ; when the 
entire line was ordered by Col. Hinks to fall back, and the regiment retired, 
fii'ing as it went. The regiment was speedily re-formed on the outskirts of 
the woods, and ordered to lie down ; the field-officers remaining standing, and 
watching the movements of the enemy. . . . Soon after sunset, troops 
were seen moving in the woods, from whom we received a heavy fire, under 
which Col. Hinks and Major Howe fell, the latter mortally wounded. Our 
men rose, gave one volley in return, and then broke, retiring but a short 
distance, when they were re-formed, where we remained until ordered to 
retire late in the evening. 

By the fall of Col. Hinks and Major Howe, and the wounding of Capt. 
Wass, the command devolved upon me until relieved by Lieut.-Col. Devereux 
on the night of July 11. 

The officers, without an exception,' behaved most gallantly, leading their 
men into the thickest of the fight, their faces* almost at the muzzles of the 
enemy's guns, with the coolness and self possession of veterans. 

The honorable wounds received by Col. Hinks are, in themselves, a 
eulogy of liis courage and patriotism in his country's cause, and earnest solici- 
tude for the welfare of his officers and men. 

In honor of the memory of our young but courageous major, Howe, let 
the words dropped from his lips after receiving his mortal wound be the 
highest praise which can be spoken of a true patriot : " Let me die here on 
the field : 'tis more glorious to die on the field of battle." 

Capt. Charles W. Devereux was wounded while faithfully performing his 
duties ; being prostrate at the time from continued illness, fatigue, and ex- 
posure. 

Lieut. David Lee died manfully at the post of duty. 



260 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Sergeant-Major E. M. Neweomb, since promoted, and killed at Fredericks- 
burg, proved to his superiors that he enlisted for his country's good, and 
from purely patriotic motives. 

I am, general, 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
(Signed) EDMUND RICE, 

Capt. Nineteenth Mass. Vols.^ Comd'g Regt. 

On the 22d of July, while the army was at Harrison's Landing, 
Sumner's corps was reviewed, and nearly thirty thousand troops 
took part in the parade. Veterans of nearly every fight upon the 
Peninsula composed this corps, which won Fair Oaks when it had 
been lost, and which had the battle of Savage's Station all to 
themselves, and made a clean victory, and at this time consisted 
of Richardson's, Sedgewick's, and Shields's divisions, the last of 
which had so recently won the battle of AVinchester. In this 
review the Nineteenth Regiment bore away the palm, as appears 
by the following order : — 

Headquarters Second Army Corps, July 23, 1862. 
General Orders, No. 21. 

The general commanding would hereby announce to this corps d'armee 
the fine appearance on the review to-day of the Nineteenth Massachusetts and 
First Minnesota Regiments. The condition of these regiments is an honor to 
their States, and reflects great credit upon their commanders. 

By command of Major-Gen. Sumner. 

L. KIP, A.D. C. and A.A.G. 

Official. 

W. D. SEDGEWICK, A.A.G. 

Col. Hinks, after being wounded, returned to Massachusetts 
for a prief period, and, while convalescing, improved his time by 
eloquent appeals to his fellow-citizens to volunteer at the call of 
the Government, and spoke with great effect in several towns of 
the Commonwealth, inducing a large number of men to enlist. 

Aug. 8, he returned to Harrison's Landing, and, though not 
recovered from his wounds, was immediately assigned to the 
command of the third brigade, composed of the Nineteenth and 
Twentieth Massachusetts, the Forty-second and Fifty-ninth New- 
York, and Seventeenth Michigan Regiments, second division, 
Second Corps ; which division was designated to cover the re- 
treat of the army to the Chickahominy River, upon its evacuation 
of Harrison's Landing on the 16th of August, 1862. 



THE NINETEENTH AT ANTIETAM. 261 

Aug. 22, lie arrived at Newport News ; and the division was 
transported to the army under command of Gen. Pope, and 
shared in the vicissitudes of his campaign. 

Hinks's brigade, however, was only engaged at the battle of 
Chantilly, on the 1st of September ; after which it covered the re- 
treat of the army to Cloud's Mills, and thence proceeded to Rock- 
ville, Md., where it rejoined its division. 

Prostrated from the effects of his wounds and the severity of 
the campaign, he was relieved from the command of his brigade 
by Gen. Dana, who had returned to duty in the field. 

A few days later, however, when the army set out on its march 
against the enemy in Maryland, Col. Hinks assumed command of 
his old regiment in the advance, and led it to South Mountain and 
at Antietam ; at the latter of which, while closely pressing the 
enemy near the old road sometimes called " Dead Lane," the di- 
vision was attacked in flank upon the left, with such impetuosity 
as to throw the regiments there into confusion, and to cause them 
to break from the line. 

Observing the nature of the attack, and the discomfiture which 
had befallen the division, Col. Hinks immediately changed front 
with his regiment, which constituted the right of the division, to 
face the sudden attack ; and, the First Minnesota Regiment soon 
after forming upon his right, the enemy was successfully held in 
check by these two regiments, while the remainder of the division 
were rallied upon a new line to the rear of them.* Here, while ex- 
erting himself to hold his men up to their work against the wither- 
ing fire to which they were exposed from the enemy, who attacked 
them both in front and flank, and in numbers ten times exceed- 
ing his own command. Col. Hinks fell wounded with a bullet 
through the right arm, fracturing and shattering the bone, and 
another through the abdomen, passing from over the right hip in 
front, penetrating the colon, and out on the left side of the spine, 
in the region of the kidneys ; from which wound he has never 
fully recovered. His coolness and gallantry, and the discipline 
and heroism of his command, undoubtedly preserved our lines 
from being permanently broken on the occasion. As soon as he 
observed the flank attack which had caused the division to be 
thrown into confusion, he rode forward and gave the necessary 
orders for the change of front, and as coolly superintended the 
execution of the movement as if on drill, notwithstanding the 
ground over which the regiment moved was covered with officers 

* See McClellan's Report, pp. 279-80. 



262 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

and men that fell from its ranks, under the heavy cross-fire of the 
enemy, pending the movement : and, as soon as the change of 
front had been completed, he rode his horse up to the colors in the 
line, and, by his inspiriting words and gallant bearing in the face 
of the fearful carnage, stimulated his command with such firm- 
ness and determination, as induced them to hold the field alone 
against an attack from which other regiments recoiled. 

A somewhat remarkable incident occurred during the battle of 
Antietam, which illustrates the influence of example by a leader, 
the power of discipline, and of the command of a familiar voice. 
Col. Hinks, observing that the regiment was becoming somewhat 
nervous, and unsteady in movement, after one of its dashes 
against the enemy, immediately halted it, ordered colors and 
general guides upon the line, and, alligning his regiment on the 
centre, closed up the files rendered vacant by the fallen ; then, 
for fifteen minutes, sat upon his horse, and drilled his regiment in 
the manual of artns, regardless, and apparently unconscious, of the 
whistling bullets, which occasionally terminated the manned of 
some soldier in the line ; and, when he had concluded the drill 
with " parade rest," the regiment had entirely recovered from its 
indications of unsteadiness, and moved, when the attack was re- 
newed, with all of its habitual precision and coolness while on 
parade. 

On another occasion, finding that his men were suffering very 
severely from a galling fire of short range, which, from the posi- 
tion of the lines and the conformation of the ground, they could 
not return to advantage, he ordered the regiment to lie flat on 
the ground, while he sat upon his horse, near the centre of the 
regiment, amidst the heaviest fire, of which he seemed to be the 
special object, watching the movements of the enemy, and, as his 
men remarked, exhibiting no consciousness of danger, but with 
folded arms, and a smile upon his lips, remained thus more than 
half an hour, at a distance of less than a hundred and fifty yards 
from the line of the enemy, pouring its incessant fire upon the 
position. 

The losses of Sumner's corps — which numbered about eighteen 
thousand men, or one-fifth of the army engaged in this battle — 
were nearly thirty per cent of its men engaged, and one-half of 
the whole loss of the Union army in the fight ; while the losses in 
in Sedgewick's division, which numbered only about five thousand 
men, and in which was the Nineteenth, were two thousand two 
hundred and fifty-five, or more than forty-five per cent. 



THE FIELD OF ANTIETAM. 263 

Col. Iliiiks suffered very much from his wounds received at 
Antietam, and for some time was considered mortally wounded : 
indeed, he was reported, and for some days believed, to be dead; 
and lengthy obituary notices, of the most complimentary charac- 
ter, appeared in the Boston dailies and other Massachusetts 
papers. 

Said the " Daily Advertiser," " He commanded the Eighth 
Regiment through the three-months' service in 1861 with such 
ability and success, that he was at once commissioned colonel of 
the Nineteenth for the war, that regiment being largely recruited 
from the old Eighth. In command of his new regiment, he was 
equally successful in securing the respect and confidence of all 
who come in contact with him." . . . 

Said the " Daily Journal " on the same occasion, " Col. Hinks 
was a brave and valuable officer, and is a great loss to the ser- 
vice, as well as to the State of his nativity. ... He displayed 
the qualities of a soldier, as well in the care of his men as in his 
bravery in the field ; and lie will be remembered with respect by 
all who have served under him." , . . 

Dr. Alfred Hitchcock visited the field of Antietam, and in a 
letter to Gov. Andrew, dated Sept. 26, 1862, thus described the 
condition of Col. Hinks : " Col. Hinks, poor fellow ! seemed on 
Monday to have symptoms of sinking. His wound is through the 
abdomen and back, and a miracle only can save him. I advised 
against his proposed removal, as lessening the only possible 
chance for such a miracle to be wrought by Him in whose hand 
our breath is." . . . 

The following is an extract from an official letter written by 
Gen. Sedgewick to Gov. Andrew after the battle of Antietam (see 
Report of Adjutant-General of Massachusetts, pp. 181- -3) : — 

Washington, D.C, Dec. 5, 1862. 
To his Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor of the Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts, — ... I have already forwarded through the mili- 
tary channels a list of officers and soldiers who were distinguished for 
gallantry and good conduct, recommending them for promotion ; and I would 
again commend to your Excellency Col. Lee of the Twentieth, Col. Hinks 
of the Nineteenth, Lieut.-Col. Kimball of the Fifteenth, and Lieut.-Col. 
Palfrey of the Twentieth. Great credit is due to these officers for the splen- 
did condition in which these regiments took the field. The Fifteenth and 
Nineteenth are, in my opinion, fully equal to any two in the service. The 
Twentieth was badly cut up at Ball's Bluff. Many officers are wounded and 
taken prisoners, and the regiment thereby deprived of their services. 



264 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

I have on two occasions strongly rosoiiimaaded the appoiatmenfc of Col. 
Ilinks as brigadier-general. He disciplined and brought into the field one of 
the finest regiments, and has been twice wounded while gallantly leading it 
in battle. I again urge the appointment, and respectfully ask your Excel- 
lency's favorable indorsement. 

I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully. 

Your Excellency's obedient servant, 

(Signed) JOHN SEDGEWICK, 

Major-Gen. Volunteers. 

After the battle of Antietam, Lieiit.-Col. Devereux being absent 
on leave, the regiment marched to Harper's Ferry under com- 
mand of Capt. H. G. 0. Weymouth, and went into camp Sept. 21, 
1862. 

The closing record of the Nineteenth Massachusetts for the 
year 1862 was marked by a noble deed of daring. This was the 
crossing of the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg in boats to dis- 
lodge the enemy's sharpshooters, who were picking off the men 
detailed to build the pontoon-bridges. 

A call was made for volunteers to cross the river in boats, and 
dislodge the unseen foe. The Nineteenth Massachusetts and 
Seventh Michigan immediately volunteered on what might be 
regarded as a forlorn hope. They crossed, and drove back the 
enemy ; and the bridges were completed without further molesta- 
tion. Dec. 13, the Nineteenth were ordered to the front to liold 
a line of rifle-pits. This they did until their ammunition failed, 
when they fell back in the line of the brigade. 

The colors of the regiment were carried by eleven different men, 
of whom eight were shot. 

The regiment remained encamped at Falmouth until May 2, 
1863, doing provost and picket duty. The regiment, with the 
division, then marched to the Rappahannock, where a pontoon- 
bridge was being thrown across. The builders being sorely 
annoyed by the firing of the enemy, it became necessary to send 
troops across in boats. Twenty-five volunteers were promptly fur- 
nished from each regiment in the division. These crossed with- 
out resistance, meeting Gen. Sedgewick's force coming up from 
the left. The bridge was immediately laid, and the column 
crossed. After the battle which ensued, in which the regiment 
acted a conspicuous part, it recrossed the Rappahainiock, and 
remained encamped at Falmouth until the IGth of June. When 



THE NINETEENTH AT GETTYSBURG. 265 

the army moved, this regiment, with two pieces of Battery A,' 
Rhode -Island Battery, formed the extreme rear -guard. It 
reached the Potomac at Edward's Ferry on the 26th, crossed 
the 27th, and arrived at Gettysburg July 1, about nine, p.m., 
within two miles of tlie battle-field, and Invouacked. At dawn 
on the 2d, it marched to the front, and, after some manoeuvrhig, 
took up a position just in the rear of the line of battle, on the left 
of Cemetery Hill, being the centre of the line of the army. At 
five, P.M., the Nineteenth Massachusetts and Forty-second New- 
York were advanced in front of the line to the left to act as a sup- 
port for the right of the Third Corps, which was beginning to give 
way. On the morning of the 3d, the Nineteenth was placed in sup- 
port of a battery. This becoming disabled, its captain asked for 
volunteers. These were immediately furnished, and did excellent 
service. At three, p.m., by order of Gen. Hancock, they advanced 
upon the enemy. The fight at this point became furious ; our 
men finally succeeding in driving the enemy back from our 
slight works. 

At this moment, the enemy, as if actuated by one impulse, 
threw down their arms, and gave themselves up prisoners ; very 
few attempting to retreat. 

The regiment secured a large number of prisoners and several 
flags. In the battles of Gettysburg, the Nineteenth sustained the 
good reputation it had already won. 

On the retreat of Gen. Lee, the army in pursuit again marched 

into Virginia. 

It is neediess here to recapitulate the marches and counter- 
marches and slight skirmishes in which the Nineteenth was 
engaged during the remainder of this campaign. The principal 
engagements in which the regiment took part were, first, Bristow 
Station, Oct. 14, in which Companies E and K, acting as skirmish- 
ers, advanced, and captured a large number of prisoners, among 
whom were one field-officer and several line-officers. 

After the capture of the prisoners, Lieut. Thompson, who had 
command of the skirmishers, discovered a battery of five pieces 
entirely deserted. Three men of Company E advanced, and 
brought in one gun and limber and four horses. Subsequently 
two pieces more were brought in. The conduct of the men in 
this spirited affair was praiseworthy ; and that of the conscripts 
especially so, as it was their first engagement. The next was that 
of Robinson's Cross Roads, Nov. 27. On the 7th of December, 



266 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

'they went into camp, about three and a half miles from Brandy 
Station, Va. 

Dec. 20, over three-fourths of the volunteers of the regiment 
present re-enlisted for three years, or during the war, as veteran 
volunteers. 

Feb. 4, 1864, the regiment left camp on a furlough of thirty 
days,, and arrived in Boston Feb. 8. It was received in Fanueil 
Hall'by Gen. Hinks, their old commander, in behalf of Gov. An- 
drew ; and the same day it was welcomed at Salem by the City 
Government on behalf of the citizens of Essex County. The day 
was one of happy memories to the brave survivors of the noble 
regiment, that nearly three years before quitted the State to tread 
the battle-field of the Union. At the expiration of its furlough, 
the regiment reported, with every veteran originally furloughed, 
in the field. 

The month of April was spent in preparing for the remarkable 
campaign of the coming summer. On the occasion of the review 
of the Second Army Corps by Gen. Grant, the Nineteenth Mas- 
sachusetts, Major E. Rice, and the Twentieth, Major H. L. Ab- 
bott, were the regiments selected by Major-Gen. Hancock to drill 
at headquarters, second division, in presence of the Lieutenant- 
Gen eral. 

The officers present all expressed great satisfaction with the 
admirable discipline of both regiments. 

May 3, the regiment broke camp, joined the rest of the brigade, 
crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, marched over the field of 
Chancellorsville, halted near Williams's Tavern, thffew up breast- 
works, and remained in reserve during the rest of the night ; Gen. 
Birney's division being heavily engaged in front. Next morning, 
it marched to the relief of the front line, and made a narrow es- 
cape from capture by being flanked. In the several battles of this 
campaign, from the Wilderness to the James River, the regiment 
was actively engaged in connection with the Second Corps, and 
was always conspicuous for daring and gallantry. It reached the 
James on June 14, and crossed. On the 15th, it marched twenty- 
five miles ; reached the first line of the enemy's works before 
Petersburg, and rested for the night. From this time up to the 
22d, the regiment was engaged every day with the enemy ; when, 
taking advantage of the faulty construction of the line on the left, 
he made an assault, capturing the majority of the regiment. 
Those who escaped capture, returned convalescents, and recruits 
from the depot, were re-organized by Lieut. William F. Rice, who 



THE NINETEENTH AT PETERSBUEG. 267 

continued in command until July 26 ; when the regiment under 
orders, with the brigade, took up its line of march for the James, 
which it reached early on the morning of the 2Tth, and halted in 
the breastworks on the north bank. It was engaged in the fight 
of that day. In the evening of the 29th, it commenced its march 
towards Petersburg, wliich it reached on the 30th, and was imme- 
diately in reserve of the Fifth Corps. 

Col. Rice, having escaped from the enemy, took command of 
the regiment, and on the 12th of August, under orders, marched 
witli his command to City Point, and on the 14th occupied the 
battle-ground of the 26th ult. The regiment now acted as a sup- 
port of the first division. It was very much exposed, losing con- 
siderably in men. Next day, it acted as support of a Maine bat- 
tery, and continued engaged till dusk. The regiment again 
returned to Petersburg on the 21st, and on the 23d marched 
to Ream's Station, where it was employed in destroying the prop- 
erty of the Weldon Railroad. On the 25th, it participated in the 
fight at this point. 

Aug. 30, the men whose term of service had expired were dis- 
charged, and that part of the Twentieth Massachusetts which had 
escaped capture on the 25th inst. was consolidated with the 
Nineteenth. Up to the 24th of October, the regiment, as now 
constituted, was employed in garrisoning Fort Rice and Battery 
Eleven. They were then relieved from Fort Rice, and, on the 
27th, were again engaged with the enemy on the Weldon Rail- 
road, capturing five officers and fifty men, and the colors of the 
Forty-seventh North-Carolina Regiment. 

During the month of November, the regiment foraied part of 
the garrison of Fort Steadman and Battery Ten. 

The second division was relieved on the 29th of November ; and 
the Nineteenth Regiment went down to tlie extreme left, and was 
assigned the duty of occupying trenches and other works on the 
left of the front lino. 

On the 12th of December it was ordered to the rear, and, with 
the Seventh Michigan, garrisoned Fort Emory. The regiment 
remained here until Feb. 5, 1865, when, having received march- 
ing orders, it moved with the brigade to within one and a half 
miles of the Gravelly Run and Vaughan Road, where the corps 
massed. The regiment was detailed to advance upon the ene- 
my's skirmishers, which it did in gallant style, finding them occu- 
pying a position near the junction of the roads. Five companies 
were deployed as skirmishers, and drove the enemy's skirmishers 



268 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

back upon his lines of battle. In that encounter, Lieut. William H. 
Tibbetts, a brave and gallant officer, was killed. Every thing was 
quiet until about four, p.m., of the 6th, when, the Fifth Corps 
coming up, the enemy opened with great vigor. After an hour's 
fighting, the corps fell back, leaving the regiment (on the extreme 
advance) in a very exposed condition. 

Next day, the corps again advanced, recovered their position, 
and, on the 10th, commenced a new winter camp. 

March 25 was ushered in by the sullen roar of hostile cannon 
at Fort Steadman. Early in the day, the Fifth Corps was in 
motion, and threw itself with vigor and impetuosity upon the 
advanced lines of the enemy, which were carried, and held 
with small force. 

On the 28th, it became known that the Army of the Potomac 
would move on the enemy's works the following day. 

On the 2d of April, captured two small forts, or earthworks, 
and a hundred and fifty prisoners. Shortly after, the regiment 
joined the brigade, and advanced on the Boynton Plank-road to 
within three miles of Petersburg. 

April 7, a general advance was made by the Sixth and Second 
Corps. In this advance, the major of the Nineteenth Regiment, 
first brigade, first division. Second Corps, was mortally wounded. 
The 8th was consumed by advancing alternately in line of battle 
and by the flank. The next day, when near Appomattox Court 
House, it was announced to the corps that Gen. Lee and tlie Army 
of Northern Virginia had surrendered to Gen. Grant and the 
Army of the Potomac. Gen. Meade rode along the lines, and the 
wildest enthusiasm prevailed. 

On its homeward route, the Nineteenth marched vid Richmond 
and Fredericksburg to Vienna; which place it Reached on the 
13th of May. On the 2od, the Army of the Potomac passed in 
review before the President and Gen. Grant. On the 3d of June, 
the regiment was mustered out of service. July 3, it arrived at 
Readville, Mass., and went into camp for final discharge and 
payment. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
TWENTIETH AND TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENTS. 

The Twentieth in Gen. Lauder's Brigade. — In the Peninsular Campaign. — Fredericks- 
burg. — Gettysburg. — Bristow Station. — Petersburg. — Other Fields. — Homeward 
bound. — The Twenty-first leaves Worcester for the Front. — At Roanoke Island. — 
Second Battle of Bull Run. — Narrow Escape of the gallant Col. Clark. — East Ten- 
nessee. — The Visit Home. — Subsequent Achievements. — The Muster out. 

THE Twentieth Regiment was recruited at Camp Massasoit, 
Readville ; and left for the seat of war, Sept. 4, 1861. Field 
and staff officers were as follow : — 

TWENTIETH REGIMENT. 

Colonel . . . . . . William Raymond Lee. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... Francis W. Palfrey. 

Major ...... Paul J. Revere. 

Surgeon ...... Nathan Hayward. 

Assis'.ant Surgeon .... Edward H. R. Revere. 

This regiment was first stationed on the Upper Potomac, and 
formed a part of Gen. F. W. Lander's brigade, and of Gen. Stone's 
division. It was engaged at Ball's Bluff, exhibited great courage, 
and suffered great loss in men ; as far as can be ascertained, about 
two hundred and eight hi killed, wounded, and prisoners. Among 
the latter were Col. Lee, Major Revere, and Adjutant Pierson, for 
some time confined in a cell at Richmond as hostages. Among 
the killed was Lieut. Putnam, the "young, the beautiful, and the 
brave." 

During the winter, the regiment was on picket-duty near Ed- 
ward's Ferry. 

March 11, Gen. Dana commanding, the brigade marched to the 
assistance of Gen. Banks in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. On 
reaching Berryville, the brigade was ordered back to Harper's 
Ferry. On the 25th, it moved to Washington, and, on the 27th, 

269 



270 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

embarked on board a transport for Fortress Monroe. On the 31st, 
it reached Hampton, Va., where the whole Army of the Potomac 
w^s soon after collected together. 

Sedgewick's division, to which the Twentieth belonged, was 
made a part of Gen. Sumner's corps, and encamped before 
Yorktown, April 7. It was nearly the centre of our lines, and 
the camp of the Twentieth was in a swamp. On the 17th, the 
Twentietli moved so near the fortifications of the enemy, that the 
sound of their conversation could be heard. While here, Capt. 
Bartlett, acting lieutenant-colonel, and several enlisted men, were 
shot. 

May 1, Col. Lee, having returned to the army, took command 
of his regiment, and, on the morning of the od,led the Twentieth 
into the fortifications of the enemy, which had just been aban- 
doned. He was among the first who planted the flag there. 

On the 7th, the regiment was engaged in the battle of West 
Point, supporting Porter's battery, — a position of honor. 

On the 31st was the battle of Pair Oaks. In the afternoon of 
that day, Sedgewick's division, the only one of Sumner's corps, 
succeeded in crossing the Chickahominy. The Twentieth was in 
the rear, and reached the scene of action about five, p.m. It took 
its position upon the left, and opened fire. When preparing to 
charge, the enemy's lines broke in confusion. The battle lasted 
till dark, and the Twentieth slept upon the field. 

In the action of the next day, the regiment took part. For 
twelve days succeeding, it was on picket-duty. When relieved, it 
encamped at Fair Oaks until the retreat to tlie James commenced, 
when it was in the rear of the rear column. On the 29th of June, 
there was a skirmish at Allen's Farm, and a battle the same after- 
noon at Savage Station, in which the enemy was repulsed. 

About noon next day, the battle of White-oak Swamp was 
fought ; and in the evening of the same day, that of Nelson's 
Farm. The enemy were driven back with slaughter. 

In these engagements the Twentieth took an active part, losing 
several officers and men. Among the former were Col. Lee, in- 
jured ; and Lieut.-Col. Palfrey, wounded in the shoulder. 

At midnight, the retreat was resumed. At six o'clock, a.m., 
July 1, the Twentieth reached Malvern Hill, but took no part in 
the action at that point. 

The next morning, it reached Harrison's Landing, and remained 
there until Aug. 16, when the army began its retrograde move- 
ment. Arriving at Alexandria, the 28th, the regiment was or- 



THE TWENTIETH AT FREDERICKSBURG. 271 

dered to Tenallytown, Md. The next day, it recrossed the Potomac 
on its way to the scene of Gen. Pope's defeat. It took position 
near Fairfax Court House, wliere it remained while one column 
of Pope's army passed by in retreat. It then brought up the rear 
of the column. 

After one day's rest, the march into Maryland commenced, and 
the battle-ground of Antietam was reached Sept. 17. 

In this battle, the Twentieth suffered severely. Lieut.-Col. Pal- 
frey was wounded in the shoulder ; and the killed, wounded, and 
missing amounted, in all, to a hundred and thirty-seven men. 

Oct. 16, it took part in the reconnoissance toward Winchester. 
Nov. 10, it was with the main body of the army at Warrenton, Va. ; 
being now attached to the third brigade, second division. Second 
Corps. 

On the 15th, the army was again in motion ; on the 18th, 
reached Falmouth ; and, on the 11th of December, the second 
division was marched to the bank of the river opposite Frede- 
ricksburg. The sharpshooters of the enemy, sheltered by the 
houses, rendered every attempt to construct a pontoon-bridge 
unsuccessful. Portions of the third brigade, the Seventh Michi- 
gan, and the Nineteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts, crossed the 
river in boats, and drove the enemy from their hiding-places. 
The Twentieth advanced steadily forward up the street leading 
from the bridge, exposed to a galling fire from windows, cellars, 
and garrets. The enemy fell back. At sunset, the firing ceased. 
The bridge, meanwhile, was completed; and the Second Corps 
crossed over it during the night. 

In the battle of the lotli, the Twentieth was much exposed, 
fought with its accustomed bravery, and lost heavily ; so much 
so, that, at the close of the second day, there were but two officers 
remaining in the left wing, and three in the right. 

On the return of the army to Falmouth, Col. Lee resigned. 
The regiment remained at Falmouth during the winter months 
of 1863. About the middle of April, Col. Palfrey, suffering 
from the severe wound received at Antietam, took leave of the 
regiment. 

May 3, the second division moved to the same position 
on the bank occupied by the division on the morning of 
Dec. 11, 1862. The engineers being again driven from their 
work on the pontoon-bridge by sharpshooters, a portion of 
the Sixth Corps, which had crossed the river a few days before, 
moved up the south bank of the river into the city, flanking the 
enemy's sharpshooters, who fell back. 



272 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Crossed the pontoon May 4, at eight, a.m., and engaged in the 
battle of that day. Held the city until next morning, when, un- 
der cover of a heavy fog, the Twentieth recrossed the river, and 
returned to Falmouth. 

About the middle of May, Col. Revere returned to the regi- 
ment ; and, on the 15th of June, the Second Corps, under com- 
mand of Gen. Hancock, withdrew from the Rappahannock. On 
the 20th, arrived at Thoroughfare Gap, where the corps was en- 
camped for some days. On the 25th, the march was resumed. 
On the 26th, crossed the Potomac at Edward's Ferry ; and the 
Twentieth encamped at Poolesville, near old Camp Benton. 

July 1, the Second Corps arrived within two miles of Gettys- 
burg. Early next morning, it took position on Cemetery Ridge, 
and was joined by a part of the Third Corps. Space does not per- 
mit here a recital in detail of the events of this decisive battle. It 
is sufficient to state, that, in the fierce and sanguinary engagements 
of the 2d and 3d of July, the Twentieth Massachusetts bravely 
and nobly performed its part. Of this fact, the severity of its losses 
is the best evidence. The Twentieth went into action with two hun- 
dred and thirty officers and men, and came out with one hundred 
and nineteen. jCoI. Revere was mortally wounded, and Lieut.-Col. 
Macey severely. 

Leaving the battle-field on the afternoon of the 6th, the regi- 
ment pushed on to the Potomac, and on the 14th, near Wil- 
liamsport, came upon the rear-guard of the enemy. On the IGth, 
it went into camp in Pleasant Valley ; and on the 18th crossed 
the Potomac, and, pursuing the same route as the year before 
through Snicker's and Ashby's Gaps, pushed on to Manassas Gap. 
Leaving the 26th, it reached the Rappahannock on the 30th, and 
went into camp at Morrisville, near Kelly's Ford. Nothing wor- 
thy of record occurred until the 25th of August, when the Twen- 
tieth received one hundred and eighty-three conscripts. 

Sept. 13, the Second Corps, now under command of Gen. War- 
ren, crossed the Rappahannock, and, on the 17th, advanced to the 
Rapidan ; the second division picketing the river in the vicinity of 
Somerville. The enemy occupied a strong position on the other 
side. 

Oct. 6, the Second was relieved by the Sixth Corps ; marched to 
the Rappahannock, which it crossed on the 11th; and, on the 
12th, was engaged with the enemy at Catlett's Station. Next 
day, the battle of Bristow Station took place, in which the enemy 
met with a bloody repulse. The casualties of the Twentieth, 
owing to its complete protection, were slight. 



TEE TWENTIETH IN THE WILDERNESS. 273 

Nov. 7, the regiment again crossed the Rappahannock, and 
went into camp at Mountain Run, near Brandy Station. 

On the 26th, it marched to the Rapidan, and crossed without 
opposition. Next day, it moved through the Wilderness, near 
Chancellorsville, and met EvvelFs corps coming down another road. 
On this and the two following days it was engaged in skirmishing 
with the enemy, when his skirmishers were finally driven over 
Mile Run to his fortifications on the opposite bank. 

Early on the morning of the 30th, the Second Corps took a posi- 
tion for the purpose of storming these works, Ijctween which and our 
forces lay an open field, swept by the fire of the enemy. In front 
of the second division, sixteen guns were planted. For the men 
who had fouglit at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, it was simply 
a question of time whether they should go over, or fall before these 
works ; and with calm patience they waited the order to advance. 
But the terrible sacrifice of life required, and the cliances against 
success, induced the commanding general to abandon the move- 
ment. 

Dec. 2, the Second Corps crossed the Rapidan ; and, on the 5th, 
the Twentieth went into winter-quarters at Stevensburg. While 
in this camp, two-thirds of the old members re-enlisted for three 
years. The regiment remained here until the 3d of May, 1864 ; 
when, Major Abbott in command, it marched to Ely's Ford. It 
crossed over next day, and. May 5, passed through Chancellors- 
ville to the Wilderness. On the 6th, it was engaged three hours 
with the enemy. In this action. Major Abbott was killed, and 
Col. Macy wounded. In the fatigues and dangers, victories and 
honors, of this unexampled march from the Rapidan to the James 
River, the Twentieth shared with the Second Corps, of which it 
was a part ; and, so far, a history of the one is a history of the 
other. 

Arriving in front of Petersburg June 15, the regiment relieved 
some troops of the Eighteenth Corps in the front line. The 20th 
and 21st, it made frequent charges upon the enemy's position. 
On the 22d, the enemy returned the compliment by charging 
upon the left of the second division, breaking through and rolling 
up our line, and taking regiment after regiment, until lie came to 
the Twentieth ; when a few well-directed volleys and a change of 
front stopped his progress, thereby saving the rest of the line 
from capture. 

The term of service for the regiment expiring July 18, the 
men who had not re-enlisted were sent to Boston to be mustered 

35 



274 MASSACHUSETTS IJ^ THE REBELLION. 

out. The remainder of the men, recruits and veterans, were now 
consolidated into seven companies, and incorporated with the Fif- 
teenth Massachusetts, which made up the other three companies. 
July 26, the regiment marched to the James, and crossed at Deep 
Bottom, where it remained until the 30th, when it returned to its 
old camp. Aug. 12, it marched again to the James ; crossed at 
Deep Bottom ; became engaged with the enemy, wlien Major Patten 
received a wound from which he afterwards died. On returning 
to Petersburg, the regiment was ordered, Aug. 23, to Ream's Sta- 
tion, on the Weldon Railroad. A severe engagement took place. 
The regiment was surrounded, and all present, except ten men, 
were killed or captured. 

Sept. 11, Capt. Magnitzky arrived at the front, and took com- 
mand of the regiment ; it being now but seventy strong, and con- 
solidated into one company. Twenty-five convalescents arriving 
from hospitals, it was organized into three companies, and em- 
ployed in the forts until Oct. 24. It was then marched to Hatch- 
er's Run, where it charged the enemy, and drove out the force op- 
posed to it. Advancing two miles to the Boynton Plank-road, and 
finding the enemy in force, it charged upon him. Staying here 
during the afternoon, it returned to our works at night. Nov. 29, 
it was relieved ; and, on the 30th, went into camp near Fort 
Emory. Feb. 5, 18G5, the regiment broke camp, and partici- 
pated in the second movement to the left, across Hatcher's Run ; 
and, on the 29th of March, the regiment started on its final cam- 
paign. 

On the morning of April 2, an attack was ordered : the enemy's 
works were entered almost without opposition, and many pieces 
of artillery were captured. In the pursuit of the enemy, tlie regi- 
ment marched this day to within three miles of Petersburg, and, 
the day following, reached the South-side Railroad. 

On the 7th, the Appomattox River was crossed at Danville Bridge, 
and many prisoners, with nineteen pieces of artillery, were taken. 
On the 9th, when within three miles of Appomattox Court House, 
the surrender of Gen. Lee was announced to the regiment. Leav- 
ing Burke's Station, May 2, homeward . bound, the regiment 
reached Richmond on the 5th, and the vicinity of Washington on 
the 13th. Here, with the Army of the Potomac, it passed in re- 
view before the President. 

Leaving camp July 17, the regiment arrived at Burkesville 
July 20. Final payment was received on the 28th ; and, after 
three years and ten days' service, the Twentieth Regiment, Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteers, ceased to exist. 



BATTLES OF ROANOKE ISLAND AND NEW BERN. 275 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 

The Twenty-first had on its roll of officers the subjoined 
names : — 

Colonel Augustus Morse. 

Lieutenant- Colonel ..... Alberto Maggi. 

Major W.S.Clark. 

Surgeon Calvin Cutter. 

Assistant Surgeon .... J- Marcus Wright. 

Chaplain George S. Ball. 

We transcribe, substantially, a part of Major Foster's narrative 
of the honorable career of this regiment. 

The Twenty-first left Camp Luicoln, at W^orcester, Mass., for 
the seat of war, Aug. 23, 1861, numbering in the aggregate 
one thousand and four men, under command of Col. Augus- 
tus Morse. The regiment was mainly composed of Worcester- 
County men, and, having been selected with care, constituted a 
fair representation of the intellect and muscle of the State. It 
was selected to go on the Burnside Expedition, under command of 
Lieut.-Col. Albert Maggi; and left Annapolis, Md., on board the 
steamer " Northerner," Jan. 6, 18G2. A stormy and distress- 
ing month was passed on board the "Northener," most of which 
period was spent off Cape Hatteras. Late in the afternoon of 
Feb. 7, the Twenty-first disembarked to take part in the attack on 
Roanoke Island. The action commenced early the next morning. 

Gallantly led by Col. Maggi, it worked its way through a 
deep swamp, which protected the right flank of the battery, 
and which was considered by the enemy as impassable. Hav- 
ing flanked the position, the regiment made a brave, steady 
charge with the bayonet, driving the enemy from their works, and 
capturing the rebel flag which was on the battery. On the 4th of 
March, 1862, Lieut.-Col. Maggi having resigned, Major Clark was 
promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and took command of the 
regiment. 

In the battle of Newborn, the regiment took a prominent part. 
Its right wing pierced the centre of the enemy's intrcnchments, and 
captured a battery of light artillery by a bayonet charge. The regi- 
ment was highly commended in official reports for the dash and 
bravery which it displayed in this action : and Gen. Burnside pre- 
sented it the first gun taken by it from the enemy, a brass field- 



276 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

piece, as a monument to the memory of a brave man (Lieut. F. A. 
Stearns) who was killed early in the action. In reply to Col. 
Clark's report of this spirited and brilliant engagement, Gov. 
Andrew wrote as follows : — 

Executive Depaet3Ient, Boston, March 31, 1862. 
Lieut. -Col. W. S. Clark, commanding Twenty-first Mass. Vols. 

My dear Sir, — I have but just received, by the hands of Capt. Frazier, 
I he copy of your very clear and concise report of the conduct of the gallant 
regiment of Massachusetts volunteers under your command at the battle of 
Newbern, which you so kindly furnished to me. I had previously perused 
many different accounts of that sanguinary encounter between the Federal 
forces and the rebels ; and although full justice has been done, in nearly all, 
to the heroic valor of our fellow-citizens of Massachusetts, I think I may say 
that I have experienced an additional pleasure from the perusal of your 
modest narrative of the brave deeds of those composing the Twenty-first Regi- 
ment, under your immediate command, who have so fully met the expecta- 
tions of their friends, and added to the renown of our beloved Commonwealth. 

Please accept my official and personal thanks for your own wise and heroic 
conduct in the service of the country, and the assurance of the sincere and 
grateful regard with which I subscribe myself 

Your obedient servant, 

JOHN A. ANDREW. 

Leaving Newbern April 17, and reaching Elizabeth City at 
daybreak on the 19th, after a forced march of near twenty 
miles, the regiment took part in the spirited battle of Camden ; 
fitly celebrating the anniversary of the first blood shed in the sup- 
pression of the Rebellion by a victory. 

May 17, 1862, the Twenty-first made a forced march to Pol- 
locksville to rescue the Second Maryland Regiment, reported to 
be surrounded by a superior force of the enemy. The command- 
ing officer of the Second Maryland issued an order in the name of 
his regiment, thanking the regiment for the alacrity with which it 
marched to the rescue, greeting the Massachusetts men as brothers 
for their kindness in feeding his hungry men. 

The Twenty-first arrived off Fortress Monroe July 8, and 
went into camp at Newport News on the 9th. 

Aug. 2, proceeded vid Acquia Creek to Fredericksburg, where 
the regiment went into camp. During Gen. Pope's retreat from 
the line of the Rapidan, the Twenty-first, for a large portion of the 
time, performed the arduous and dangerous duties of rear-guard. 
Without shelter from the elements, and suffering frequently from 



DEATH OF GEN. RENO. 277 

want of food, for three weeks the men stood to then- arms with 
undiminished courage. 

The Twenty-first took part in the second battle of Bull Run, in 
which, on account of the favorable position it occupied, it inflicted 
much damage upon the enemy, with little loss to itself. In the battle 
of Chantilly, which took place Sept. 1, the regiment suffered the 
severest loss it had thus far experienced, amounting to about a 
hundred and fifty men in killed, wounded, and captured. Did space 
permit, it would be interesting here to insert Col. Clark's graphic 
account of this battle. Having fallen into an ambuscade of rebel 
regiments in consequence of the darkness of the night, and find- 
ing it impossible to make a successful stand under the circum- 
stances, the regiment fell back hastily, the companies on the right 
in tolerable order. The colonel, in the confusion, being separated 
from the body of his regiment, and having no intention of trying 
the hospitalities of Libby, rushed through the crowd of rebels, 
received a parting salute of bullets, which brought to the earth the 
six or eight men with him, leaving him alone in the race. At this 
juncture. Gen. Kearney, riding up to learn the condition of affairs, 
and being ordered to surrender, turned his horse to gallop away ; 
but, alas ! the fatal bullet which was to end his gallant career, 
too successfully accomplished its fatal mission. Col. Clark suc- 
ceeded in reaching the woods, but, in attempting to make his way 
to Centreville, was in danger constantly of falling in with rebel 
sentinels and pickets. He was, therefore, obliged to keep as 
much as possible in the forests, and avoid every person and 
house. 

After toiling on in this manner by day and by night, living on 
green corn and apples, he joined his command at Alexandria 
in the afternoon of the fourth day after the battle. At nine o'clock 
the same evening, his regiment was again on the march, crossed 
the Potomac, and remained in Washington two days to procure 
necessary clothing. 

Sept. 7, the regiment marched with the Ninth Corps to drive 
the rebels out of Maryland. The column commanded by Gen. 
Reno, overtaking the enemy at the passes of South Mountain, 
and driving them from one position to another, had just gained 
the summit, when the rebels, having received re-enforcements, 
unexpectedly turned, and, opening fire. Gen. Reno fell, mortally 
wounded. He was, in many respects, a luodel officer, — prompt, 
fearless, self-sacrificing, and patriotic. 



278 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Next day, at two, p.m., the Twenty-first started in pursuit of 
the retreating enemy. The forces were now concentrating for the 
great battle about to be fought. Sept. 17, the Twenty-first was 
ordered to support Durell's battery, which it did with loss, until 
ordered to move to the Stone Bridge with the division, where so 
many brave men fell. The brigade charged across the bridge, and 
held their ground for more than an hour, without ammunition, 
against an attacking force far superior in numbers. 

After the battle, the regiment went into camp at Antietam Creek, 
and subsequently at Pleasant Yalley, Md., where it remained until 
Oct. 27, when, under command of Major Foster, it crossed the 
Potomac. Dec. 12, the regiment was engaged at Fredericksburg, 
having crossed the Rappahannock on the upper pontoon-bridge : it 
was ordered to support the Tenth New-Hampshire, then acting as 
skirmishers in the rear of the city. 

Our forces soon advanced against the formidable earthworks on 
the heights overlooking the town, and were met by a terrible 
shower of shot and shell. Still they pressed forward until within 
range of the enemy's infantry, posted behind stone walls, earth- 
works, and natural ridges. The second brigade was then ordered 
to the front, and, forming in double line of battle, gallantly and 
steadily moved across the plain, swept by the fire of the enemy. 
Wlien about sixty rods from the city, Color-Sergeant Collins 
was shot. Sergeant Plunkett, Company E, seized the colors, 
and carried them forward to tlie farthest point reached by 
our troops during the battle, when a sliell carried away both his 
arms. 

After expending its ammunition,' the Twenty-first fell back to 
the line of support, and at dark returned to its position near the 
bridge, where the brigade passed the night and the next day. 
About ten o'clock at night, the brigade was relieved from its 
most wearisome and perilous duty, and ordered to return to camp 
across the river, where it arrived about two o'clock next morn- 
ing. The whole number of casualties in this battle was sixty- 
nine. 

The regiment remained in Falmouth, doing picket-duty along 
the Rappahannock, during the cold and stormy weeks which fol- 
lowed. At this pause in active operations, Col. Clark, taking a 
short furlough, visited his pleasant home in Amherst, where for 
several years he has been an able professor in the excellent col- 
lege there, and bore with him the subjoined testimonial : — 



THE TWENTY-FIRST AT MOUNT STERLING. 279 



Headquarters Second Division, Ninth Corps, 

Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., Feb. 4, 1863. 

To Col. W. S. Clark, commanding Twenty-first 3Iass. Vols. 

Bear Colonel, — As you are about to leave us for a season, I beg you to 
carry witli you this slight testimonial of my regard for the valuable services 
you have rendered the Government since you have been under my command. 

I am well aware of the estimate placed upon your services by Gens. Burn- 
side and Reno, both of whom were honored friends of mine, and men for 
whom I have always entertained a very high regard. That you should wear a 
star was a matter upon which poor Reno had set his heart ; and, if I had 
no other, that circumstance would be sufficient to make me long to see one rise 
upon your shoulder. In my desire, however, to see you promoted, I need 
not go back to your services under that gallant officer. The energy, abihty, 
and courage displayed during the Maryland campaign, and in front of the 
walls near Fredericksburg, are known to myself, and ought to be better 
known to the country than they probably are ; then, if republics are not 
ungrateful, we might hope to see you command a brigade on your return. 

Trusting that you may have a very happy furlough, I remain, colonel, 
Your friend and obedient servant, 

S. D. STURGISS, Brigadier-General, 

Commanding Second Division. 

Jan. 10, the Twenty-first left Falmouth and its mud with 
no feelings of regret, looking for the last time on the field of 
Frederick'sburg, where its bravery and patriotism had been proved, 
and sealed in blood. The regiment landed at Newport News, 
Feb. 11 ; where it remained until March 26, when it started for 
the West. It reached Paris, Ky., April 1, and on April 5 
marched to Mount Sterling, where it remained three months, 
o-aiuiuo- one of its greatest victories, — that of teaching a people 
once prejudiced against Yankees to look upon Massachusetts 
troops with respect and affection. The opinion was universal 
among the inhabitants of that country, that no troops could com- 
pare with those from Massachusetts. 

From July to the middle of November, the regiment was mov- 
ing from point to point in East Tennessee, exposed to severe 
storms, without tents, on half or quarter rations all the time, 
poorly clothed and poorly shod. 

NoV. 15, before daylight, the regiment broke camp m a cold 
and heavy rain, and was formed into line in readiness for ac- 
tion ; and at two o'clock, a.m., started for Loudon Bridge. The 
roads were almost impassable. All through the following night, 



280 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the regiment worked its weary way toward Knoxvillc. At day- 
light, Nov. IG, it halted ; but soon the rattle of musketry called it 
into action, and it remained under fire until darkness put an end 
to the contest. Our troops, having narrowly escaped destruction 
during the day, barely escaped capture in the evening, and began 
a third night's march, and, after a night of such exhausting toil 
as cannot be described by pen, reached Knoxville at daybreak, 
Nov. 17. 

Here the regiment was placed in position, and sent a large 
detail on picket. During the siege of Knoxville, the Twenty-first 
did active duty continually ; being one night on picket, and the 
next in the rifle-i^its. It made one of the most brilliant charges 
of the siege on Nov. 24, when with another picked regiment, 
and the entire party under Lieut.-Col. Hawkes of the Twenty- 
first, it attacked the sharpshooters of the enemy, and, driving 
them from the houses and fences of North Knoxville and from 
the rifle-pits beyond, took and held possession of all the ground 
fortified and occupied by the rebels within the outskirts of North 
Knoxville. In doing this, the troops attacked and drove twice 
their number, and that in face of the rebel army and batteries. 

On the retreat of the enemy, the Twenty-first was ordered to 
pursue. From that time, the regiment saw wearisome marches 
and constant exposure (the tents having been left behind), and 
was reduced to such an extremity, that two ears of corn a day 
were issued to each man as his rations. Thus situated, in the 
woods of East Tennessee, on the 29th of December, the proposal 
was made to the regiment to re-enlist for a new term of three 
years ; and, in thirty-six hours, all but twenty-four of the men 
had re-enlisted. During this time, the utmost enthusiasm pre- 
vailed. Jan. 8, 18(34, the regiment started for home. During 
the year, it had marched, in a body, seven hundred and seventy 
miles. Col. Clark resigned, and was honorably discharged. 

We regret that wc have not tlie room for a sketch of the en- 
thusiastic welcome of the brave men at Worcester on the 30th of 
January. At the head of the regiment rode Col. Hawkes ; and, on 
eiiher side. Cols. Clark and Sprague. The streets were thronged, 
and the demonstration in Mechanics' Hall has been rarely equalled 
in that spacious edifice. 

The speeches of the Mayor, Cols. Clark and Hawkes, and of 
the Hon. A. H. Bullock, were full of thrilling incidents of war- 
experiences, patriotism, and eloquence. We quote a single para- 
graph from Mr. Bullock's address : — 



THE TWENTY-FIRST IN THE WILDERNESS. 281 

And now, fellow-citizens, follow these men, from tbeir camp in Worces- 
ter, to Annapolis, to Nortli Carolina, back to Virginia, to :Maryland, to 
Tennessee, through four States in rebellion ; everywhere patient, enduring, 
triurapliant ; never despairing of their country, never dishonoring their State, 
never losing their flag ; all and everywhere the same, — at the morning drum- 
beat, in the shock of battle, in the funeral-procession to the bed of a com- 
rade's rest. Remember that all but twenty-four have re-enlisted to see the 
end of the war and the end of its cause, and tell me if they do not make 
their history on their march, and carry it with them ; if their reward is not in 
all your hearts ; and if their praise shall not be known and heard on earth till 
it shall merge in the reveille of the resurrection. 

After a very pleasant visit to their respective homes, the Twenty- 
first assembled at Worcester, and left for Annapolis, where the 
Ninth Corps was organizing for a new move. It was assigned 
to the first division, commanded by Gen. Stevenson, and composed 
principally of Massachusetts regiments. The corps was ordered 
to co-operate with the Army of the Potomac. It crossed the Rap- 
idan at Germania Ford, May 5. Next morning the regiment left, 
and, hearing afar off the rattle of musketry, started for the scene 
of conflict. " There was not that " spoiling for afght" which had 
once been its experience ; but there was in the closed ranks and 
steady march an indication that every man appreciated what might 
be demanded as a sacrifice for Union and Liberty. 

There is no sight more sublime than that of a body of veterans, 
who, hearing the terrible rattle of musketry that tells of the death- 
struggle going on, though yet unseen, prepare to obey the com- 
mand, "Forward ! " 

Reaching the now famous battle-ground known as the " Wilder- 
ness," the Twenty-first was even within a few yards of the con- 
tending parties before any of the troops could be seen. It was 
then formed into line, with the One Hundredth Pennsylvania, on 
the left of the Second Corps, and was subject to the orders of 
Gen. Hancock. When the rebels made a furious charge, and the 
raw^ troops of the Second Corps gave way, rushing upon the lines 
of the Ninth Corps, throwing it into confusion, the Twenty-first 
and the One Hundredth Pennsylvania were deployed, advanced, 
and, by their celerity and gallantry, prevented the rebels from 
reaping any of the fruits of even a temporary success. The rebel 
line was attacked and the advance repulsed by these veterans, and 
the old line was speedily restored by Gen. Hancock. At two o'clock, 
A.M., next morning, the Twenty-first left the Wilderness, and, after 
a wearisome march by the battle-fields of Chancellorsville, reached 



36 



282 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the River Spy, near Spottsylvania Court House. In the engage- 
ment which took place here on the 10th, the regiment, with the first 
division of the Ninth Corps, suffered an irretrievable loss in the 
death of Gen. Stevenson. Though but a short time with the 
division, he had yet endeared himself to all. May 12, the Twenty- 
first took part in another charge. The fighting was obstinate, 
until the rebels, driven from one line to another, brought up in 
formidable works, from which they were not dislodged. The regi- 
ment was engaged with the enemy on the 18th, and at Sandy- 
grove Road on the 31st and on June 1. The battle of Cold 
Harbor was fought June 2. In this action the Twenty-first was 
engaged fiercely, did nobly, and lost heavily in men. The next 
day it repulsed an attack of the enemy, and, after a few days of 
rest, took up its line of march to and across the James River. 
Arriving at a point near Petersburg about noon of June 16, it 
immediately became engaged with the enemy. 

Early the next morning, the second division of the Ninth Army Corps 
charged and captured some extensive works and four guns ; the Twenty- 
first being in the third line. Then a vain attempt was made to take the 
works beyond. In the afternoon, the third division of the same corps tried the 
same thing, with a like want of success. Then the first division, of which 
the Twenty-first was a part, was ordered to try it again. 

An officer already quoted writes, — 

While the division was to charge directly ahead, to the Twenty-first was 
assigned the delicate duty of making a charge diagonally to the line of direc- 
tion of the division ; which thus isolated the regiment, and exposed it to a 
more raking fire. The charge was ordered at about five o'clock, p.m. The 
Twenty-first arose, but sank almost immediately beneath the withering fire 
which met them. Then was there need of all the courage they possessed. 
They rose again, and this time with a patriotic hurrah. The colors were 
swung aloft gloriously by Color-Sergeant Frank Peckham. Brave ofiicers 
went ahead, among whom was Capt. Charles Goss, who, in that terrible mo- 
ment of trial, brought out all the resources of his soul, proved and tempered 
in more than twenty battles of this war. A noble courage filled him. He 
seemed to forget the times when he had been wounded " nigh unto death; " 
and when the line was well formed, and advancing nobly, he fell, never to rise 
again till a louder trumpet summon him than was sounded for that advance. 
In that moment of sublime heroism, which few can know, his soul passed 
from a body, befjre pierced in many places, but now become unworthy to 
claim any longer such a noble, generous, and Christian spirit. Capt. Sampson 
again renewed his courage in leading the regiment up even to the rebel lines, 
whence we drove the occupants. The lines were ours. Darkness settled 



THE TWENTY-FIRST AT PETERSBURG. 283 

around. Our ammunition was entirely exhausted. Repeated requests were 
sent for supplies or for relief ; but none came to our aid. 

Immediately a rebel charge was made. Nothing was there with which to 
resist the charge ; and the whole division fell back in confusion, and the lines 
so gallantly, taken were again lost. The next morning came ; but the rebel 
army had withdrawn, and we advanced without opposition to works we had 
conquered and lost the day before. 

From this time to the 23d of June, the duty of the regiment 
was severe. Firing was kept up continually, both from infantry 
and artillery. 

On the morning of July 3, the mine was exploded, and the 
first division led the attack on the works of the enemy, near Peters- 
burg. 

The colored division was thrown out ; and by lot, among three 
others, the fate came to the first division. I'his was on the even- 
ing of the 29th. They were got into position with some difficulty. 
Heavy artillery was in the front lines. The mine exploded about 
daylight. The first line, somewhat startled, fell back, but soon 
rallied ; and, about five minutes later, the division advanced. 

After alluding to the confusion which followed, the loss of time, 
and the enemy's " withering " fire, driving back the disorganized 
mass, the officer adds, — 

It was certainly the most sorrowful and discouraging battle in which the 
Twenty-first was ever engaged. They fell back from their advanced position 
later in the day, and soon were brought out entirely. In the press of the 
crowd, the bearer of the State colors, unable to detach his flag-stafi" from the 
earth, tore the colors from it as well as possible, and brought them in. Troops 
coming in afterwards brought the staff, which gave rise to the rumor that the 
Twenty-first had lost their colors. But it was soon found that the regiment 
had the silken rags, and the error was explained. It would be well to say 
that there was another regiment with the Twenty-first in the narrow worlcs, 
and all were lying down on account of the fire from the enemy ; and the staff 
was thus pressed down under many, when our regiment was ordered out under 
fire. The color-bearer did his duty. The regiment lost, killed, First Ser- 
geant Horace E. Gardner, and Corporal William Harrington ; mortally wound- 
ed, Capt. William H. Clark. 

On the 18th of August, it was decided that the regiment was not a veteran 
regiment, because, of the three-fourths that had re-enlisted, fifty-six had been 
rejected for various reasons ; and it was ordered that the organization be broken 
up, and the officers and, non-re-enlisted men proceed home to be mustered 
out. Capt's. C. W. Davis, Orange S. Sampson, and Edward E. Howe, First 
Lieuts. Jonas E. Davis, Felix M'Dermott, and William H. Sawyer, were 



284 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

selected to remain in command of the re-enlisted. The regiment left City 
Point on the 19th of August in a steamer for Washington. That day the 
remnant le/t was again engaged, and Capt. Sampson fell. He was a brave 
and faithful officer ; had served in the Eighth Massachusetts three months, and 
three years in the Twenty-first, and always with honor. He enlisted as a pri- 
vate, and has been mentioned for bravery more than once in this history. 
Sergeant Simon May and Private Hugh jMurphy were killed in the same 
action. 

The regiment had for duty on the morning of May 6, 1864, two hundred 
and nine enlisted men. 

The re-enlisted of the Twenty-first were organized with the Thirty-sixth 
Massachusetts soon ^fter the departure of their own organization, and their 
subsequent history will be found in that of the Thirty-sixth. 

The organization which left on the 19th arrived in Boston the evening of the 
22d, and were furnished transportation home. • They assembled in Worcester 
Aug. 30. The troops were mustered out of the service, and paid off in Bos- 
ton, Sept. 20. The expenses to and fro at muster-out and at pay-day came 
out of the men's own pockets. Capt. Clark, who was mortally wounded at 
Petersburg, lived to see his home again before he died. He also had served 
three months in the Eighth as private before entering the Twenty-first. He 
had been wounded once before, at Chantilly, — it was then thought, fatally ; 
and fell into rebel hands. He never recovered fully, but still was ever with 
the regiment, and always at his post. He was very cool in action, brave, and 
beloved by all. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

TWENTY- SECOND, TWENTY-THIRD, AND TWENTY-FOURTH 

REGIMENTS. 

The Twenty-second recruited and commanded by Senator Wilson. — He resigns. — 
From Fortress Monroe to Fredericksburg. — Tlie Gallant Gove. — Completed Ser- 
vice. — The March of the Twenty-third from Lynnfield to the Front. — Roanoke 
Island. — Jlovements till joined to the Potomac Ai"my, May 29. — Its Latest 
Work. — Col. Raymond's Testimonj-. — The Regiment of the lamented Steven- 
son. — The Twenty-fourth. — On Roanoke Island; at Fort Wagner, Charleston, 
and Richmond. — The Welcome Home. 

THE Tweiit3^-secoiid Regiment was organized by Hon. Henry- 
Wilson, September, 1861, and went into camp at Lynnfield. 
Oct. 8, it left for the seat of war under the command of Col. 
Henry Wilson. 

Names of the field and staff officers were as follow : — 



TWENTY- SECOND REGIMENT 

Colonel 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain . 



Henry Wilson. 
Charles E. Griswold. 
William S. Tilton. 
Edward L. Warren. 
James P. Prince. 
John Pierpont. 



Brilliant receptions greeted the arrival of the regiment in Bos- 
ton, New York, and Philadelphia. In each of these cities, great 
enthusiasm was manifested by the crowds that thronged the 
streets. Arriving in Washington on the 11th, on the loth it 
proceeded to Hall's Hill, Va., and encamped. The Senate of the 
United States demanding Col. Wilson's wise counsels and earnest 
speech, he resigned his command, Oct. 19, 1861 ; and was suc- 
ceeded by Col. Jesse A. Gove, formerly a captain in the Fourth 
United-States Infantry. 

Col. Gove assumed command Nov. 11 ; and, under his instruc- 
tion, the regiment attained a high degree of efficiency. He was 
killed near Gaines's Mills, Hanover County, Va., June 27, 1862; 

285 



286 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

and was succeeded by Lieut. Charles E. Griswold, who resigned, 
on account of ill health, in October following. The regiment was 
under command of Gen. Fitz-John Porter, whose corps Gen. 
McClellan pronounced the best disciplined and most efficient 
corps in the army ; and this regiment was behind no otlier, but 
rather — if we may judge by the fact of its being often selected 
for difficult and important duties — it was considered to be among 
the best. 

In the first considerable battle at Gaines's Mills, Major William 
S. Tilton had the command ; and he testifies to the unswerving 
bravery of all the men. The regiment did not give way until 
forced to do so by the danger of being outflanked : as it was, 
ninety-three were taken prisoners, including seven officers. Col. 
Gove, having command of one of the two parts into which the 
large brigade was divided, was on the spot, and advised much to 
the advantage of the Twenty-second. 

The following is a record of the marches and engagements 
of this regiment from March, 18G2, to November of the same 
year : — 

It moved from Hall's Hill, March 10, to Alexandria, whore it did 
provost-duty. Thence it sailed to Fortress Monroe, and, after a 
reconnoissance to Big Bethel, was in the engagement with the ene- 
my at Yorktown. It was the first regiment to enter the abandoned 
works of the enemy there. May 4, and to raise the American flag. 
Marches followed, some of the way marks of which were West 
Point, Va. ; White-house Landing ; Gaines's Mills ; Hanover Court 
House, from which point a reconnoissance towards Richmond was 
made ; Mechanicsville, where the regiment shared in the battle 
that took place, losing thirty-one men killed, and forty wounded ; 
Malvern Hill, where eleven more men fell in death, and forty- 
eight were wounded ; Newport News ; Falmouth ; Warrenton 
Junction ; Centreville ; Chain Bridge ; Hall's Hill again ; Arling- 
ton Heights ; and at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, where the regiment 
formed a part of Gen. Porter's reserve. It also performed picket- 
duty, and went on a reconnoissance across the Potomac, Harper's 
Ferry, Snickersville, Middlebury, White Plains, New Baltimore, 
and Warrenton. 

About this time, Gen. Burnside took command of the army, and 
the advance upon Fredericksburg commenced. The Twenty- 
second, upon reaching Falmouth, spent three weeks in Smoky 
Camp ; a suggestive name for army-quarters. Of the events which 
followed, an officer wrote : — 



THE TWENTY-SECOND AT GETTYSBURG. 287 

On the 11th of December, the army commenced its attack upon Freder- 
icksburg. On the 13tb, the regiment crossed into the city, and immediately 
moved forward upon the rebel intrenchments. The regiment then, as at present, 
constituted a part of the first brigade, first division, Fifth Corps ; Gen. Barnes, 
of Massachusetts, commanding the brigade. Shortly after mid-day, the line 
was formed, and immediately moved forward at double-quick ; a terrible 
shower of sliclls and bullets falling upon the ranks. Gaining a slight eleva- 
tion, a brisk musketry-fire was opened against the enemy, strongly intrenched 
upon Mary's Heights. The fight continued until dark, when, all the ammu- 
nition being expended, the line was relieved by fresh troops. Sunday, the 
14th, the regiment lay under the enemy's fire, occasional shots being ex- 
changed. Sunday night, it retired to the city, and, Monday night, recrossed 
the river. 

Soon after this, in a new location, an excellent camp was made, and 
named — in memory of our late honored and lamented commander — 
" Camp Gove." The regiment occupied this camp until the latter part 
of April ; the quiet being interrupted only by a reeonnoissance to Ellis's Ford, 
made by the brigade early in January, and by the movement of the army, 
called the " mud march," Jan. 20 and 24, 1863. 

During the early part of May, the Twenty-second was engaged 
in the Chanccllorsvillc campaign. 

On the loth of June, it marched, by way of Manassas Junction, 
to Aldie Gap. The regiment took part in the reeonnoissance 
tiirough the gap and Loudon Valley, supporting a battery dur- 
ing a brilliant cavalry engagement on that occasion. Col. Tilton 
was in command of the brigade, Lieut.-Col. Sherwin leading the 
regiment. About the 25th of June, it crossed the Potomac into 
Maryland. 

During the movement into Pennsylvania, the Twenty-second 
was required to perform long and wearisome marches, starting- 
each day before light, and arriving in camp oftentimes not until 
late at night. 

At midnight on the 1st of July, the column halted within a 
few miles of Gettysburg, in the direction of which place cannon- 
ading had been heard throughout the day. But a few hours were 
allowed for sleep, and at sunrise the march was resumed. Early 
in the forenoon of the 2d of July, the column arrived near the 
right of the position chosen by Gen. Meade for his line of battle. 
Soon after, the regiment moved towards the left, crossing the 
Emmettsburg Road, and again formed line. Here the soldiers, 
exhausted by their constant and rapid marches, fell asleep. At 
three, p.m., the order was given to move forward, and the regi- 



288 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ment took position a short distance to the right of Round Top. 
A sharp musketry-fight followed, the enemy being driven from 
the front just at evening. The brigade, being threatened by a 
flank movement of the rebels, fell back to a new position. On the 
3d of July, the regiment was moved to Round Top ; where it 
remained until the 4th, when a reconnoissance discovered that the 
enemy were falling back. AVhile on Round Top, a furious fire 
was directed upon the troops by the enemy's artillery: the rebel 
sharpshooters also were very active. 

The loss in this battle was eight killed, twenty-seven wounded, 
one taken prisoner, and two missing. Second Lieut. Charles K. 
Knowles — a most worthy and gallant officer — fell, mortally 
wounded. 

The regiment then moved through Maryland into Virginia ; and 
was at the affair of Wapping Heights, July 23. It marched 
thence to Beverly Ford, on the Rappahannock, where nearly 
two hundred recruits, drafted men and substitutes, were re- 
ceived. Sept. 16, it moved to Culpeper Court House ; Oct. 10, 
it took part in a reconnoissance to Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan ; 
and, the next day, commenced its retrograde movement, support- 
ing the Second Corps in its fight at Bristow Station, Oct. 14. 

■On the 7th of November, the regiment participated in the bat- 
tle at Rappahannock Station. During the year, it participated in 
all the movements of the Army of the Potomac, having marched 
about eight hundred miles. 

After the failure of the Mine-Run expedition, the regiment 
went into winter-quarters at Beverly Ford, Va. ; building com- 
fortable log-huts of uniform size, and rendering the camp, in 
appearance, second to no other. 

In April, 1864, the re-organization of the army took place. The 
Twenty-second was assigned to the second brigade, and Col. Tilton 
returned to the command of his regiment. 

May 4, the Twenty-second crossed the Rapidan at Germania 
Ford. Want of space compels us to pass by its record from this 
date up to June 18, when Col. Tilton relinquished command. 
From this time, the regiment was engaged in no considerable bat- 
tle, although always under fire in the trenches, and often moved 
up and down the lines in support of other troops. 

On the 8th of Aiigust, it was relieved from the trenches, and 
sent to City Point to guard the quartermaster's repair-shop. 
Here the men had an opportunity to rest, after having been two 
months within range of the enemy's cannon, and having lost most 
of their number in battle. 



Iiii 



ARRIVAL HOME OF THE TWENTY-SECOND. 289 

On the 5th of October, all the officers and men on detached 
service in the army having rejoined the command, they took 
their departure for home, where they arrived on the 10th. They 
were received with a glad welcome and great honor. 

Col. Tilton speaks of Col. Gove as follows : — 

In closing this final report, you will pardon rae for once more alluding to 
our second colonel, Jesse A. Gove, my friend and mentor, who was most 
untimely cut off on the 27th of June, 1862. 

He was a soldier, and, if living now, would be a major-general commanding 
a corps. I have never seen his like. There was nothing about the service 
and its details that he did not fully understand ; and yet his mind was large, 
and grasped the field of strategy as easily as the more limited ones of tactics and 
discipline. He was, however, a good disciplinarian. While he was kind to 
all, and very gentle, even playful, when olf duty, yet he never forgot him- 
self, or what was due his rank. He was generous and noble-hearted; yet 
he did not spare those who were mean, and guilty of duplicity. 

He was a great judge of character, and could read a man like a book. He 
was terrible when his chivalric emotions were excited by the detection of 
wrong or deception on the part of officers or men. I have cause to remember 
his kindness. We were tent-mates from the investment of Yorktown, April 5, 
until the day of his death, during which time he sufiered much from acute 
disease : but he seldom complained, and never spoke to me in an impatient 
manner ; and, from his assumption of command of the regiment, he never 
reprimanded or rebuked me. This excites my gratitude ; for, in so many 
months, I should not be human had I not given him good occasion to do so. 
The dear, brave, manly, gentle fellow ! — God give hira rest in his new home ! 

The following letter from Gen. Griffin shows how the regiment 
was regarded in the Army of the Potomac : — 

Headquarters Fiest Division, Fifth Aemy Corps, 
Before Petersburg, Va., Oct. 3, 1864. 

To Brig.-Gen. W. S. Tilton, commanding Twenty-second Mass. Vols. 

General, — As your regiment leaves the army on the 5th inst. by reason 
of expiration of term of service, I desire to express to you, your officers and 
men, my satisfaction at the manner you have conducted yourselves, since I 
have commanded the division, in every circumstance of trial and danger. 

The valuable and efficient service you have rendered your country, during 
the past three years of its eventful history, is deserving of its gratitude and 
praise. 

You leave the army with an enviable record, and with the regrets of your 
comrades at parting with you. 

Sincerely yours, 

CHARLES GRIFFIN, Brig.-Gen. commanding Division. 
37 



290 



MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



TWENTY- THIKD EEGIMENT. 



This regiment was organized at Lynnfield with the following 
officers : — 



Colonel . 
Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain 



John Kurtz. 
Henry jMerritt. 
Andrew El well. 
Greorge Derby. 
Silas C. Stone. 
Jonas B. Clarke. 



It left Lynnfield for Annapolis, Md., Nov. 11, 1861. Arrived 
at its destination Nov. 16, and went into camp on the outskirts 
of the city. Jan. 6, 1862, the regiment embarked on board the 
schooner " Highlander " and the gunboat " Hussar," and sailed 
the 9th for Fortress Monroe. As the " Highlander " was entering 
the inlet, a boat, manned by several of the regiment, succeeded in 
rescuing the lieutenant-colonel, adjutant, quarter-master, and sev- 
eral others of the Ninth New-Jersey Regiment, who were thrown 
overboard by the capsizing of a small boat in the surf. The colonel 
and surgeon were drowned. Jan. 22, the " Highlander " entered 
Pamlico Sound, and remained at anchor about a fortnight. 

On the 5tli of February, the weather being fine, the expedition 
started from Pamlico Sound to accomplish the reduction of Ro- 
anoke Island. Over sixty vessels composed the fleet ; lea^dng part 
of the troops, with about forty vessels, at Hatteras Inlet. Wrote 
an of&cer, — 

At sunset, they came to anchor about two miles from shore, and twenty miles 
from Roanoke Island. Feb. 7, during the forenoon, our gunboats commenced 
an attack on the rebel fleet and the forts defending Roanoke Island; 
and, later in the day, our forces commenced landing, the Twenty-third Regi- 
ment being among the first to reach the shore. The landing was not opposed 
by the rebel forces, a small squad of infantry taking precipitate flight. 

Night coming on prevented any demonstration being made by our troops ; 
and they bivouacked for the night near the shore, our situation being any 
thing hut comfortable, with a cold rain. Early the following morning, they 
took up the line of march, the pickets of the Twenty-first Massachusetts 
having reported a strong rebel force, with a battery, about two miles from the 
landing, on the main road. After marching about a mile, the skirmishers 
of the Twenty-fifth commenced driving in the rebel pickets ; and, in a short 
time after, the engagement became general, the Twenty-fifth firing the first 
volley, supported by several pieces of marine artillery. The rebel force 



BATTLE OF ROANOKE ISLAND. '291 

consisted of several regiments of infantry, with three pieces of artillery, in a 
niasketl battery, commanding the road. Our regiment immediately formed 
in line on the right of the Twouty-fifth, in an almost impassahle swamp, and 
commenced firing. The engagement lasted'for about three hours, when, our 
regiment appearing on their left flank, and the Twenty-first on their right 
flank, the enemy deemed it no longer safe to remain, and fled precipitately. 
They were quickly followed up by several fresh regiments, which, after a chase 
of eight miles, found them at their barracks, where their forces, under Col. 
Shaw, capitulated at four o'clock, p.m., to Brig.-Gen. Foster. Our troops 
captured in all about three thousand prisoners, two thousand stand of arms, 
and, including the three forts or shore-batteries, about forty guns. 

In this engagement, the regiment lost three killed and five 
wounded. The troops took up their quarters for the night in the 
barracks formerly occupied by the rebels, of which there were 
some thirty spacious buildings capable of accommodating six 
thousand men. 

On the 14th, Gen. Burnside issued an order tendering his 
thanks to the troops for their gallant and meritorious conduct in 
the late action, and directing that the words " Roanoke, Feb. 8," 
be inscribed on their banners. On the morning of the 11th of 
March, the fleet sailed for Newbern, N.C., and, late on the even- 
ing of the 12th, came to anchor about fifteen miles from that 
city. The troops landed, under cover of the gunboats, at a place 
called Slocum's Creek. Advancing about eleven miles from this 
point, they halted for the night. 

It rained incessantly all night. On the llth, at seven o'clock, a.m., our 
troops formed in line, the regiment being the third battalion of the advance. 
They had proceeded about a mile, when they were suddenly opened upon by 
the enemy in front with artillery and infantry, being protected by a line of 
intrenchments extending from the river, across the main road, to the railroad, 
a distance of nearly two miles. This regiment hnmediately formed line on 
the left of the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, the Twenty-fourth having the 
rio-ht, and promptly repjionded to the enemy's fire. A 1)i-isk fusiladewas kept 
up, until, the ammunition becoming nearly exhausted, the Eleventh Connecti- 
cut was sent up to relieve this regiment ; and the latter were ordered to lie 
down, and be ready to charge the enemy. Shortly after the action com- 
menced, Ldeut.-Col. Merritt fell, killed by a shell. The engagement continued 
for about three hours, when a gallant bayonet-charge drove them from their 
breastworks in great disorder. Our troops on the left, at the railroad, had 
a more arduous task in dislodging them from their rifle-pits ; but they were 
soon after compelled to retreat. Two or three hundred prisoners, with about 
thirty pieces of artillery, were captured here. Our troops continued their 
march towards Newbern, reaching the Trent River, a few miles distant from 



292 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the battery, about noon. The railroad bridge across the river had been 
fired by the rebels in their retreat : but our gunboats held possession of the 
city; and, in the afternoon, the first brigade crossed the river in steamers, and 
went into camp, the Twenty-thiHl occupymg the deserted camp of the 
Thirty-first North-Carolina Regiment. 

The loss of this regiment in the engagement was, killed, seven, among 
whom was Lieut. -Col. Merritt. 

March 21, the thanks of Gov. Andrew of Massachusetts were 
read to the regiment for several re! )el flags sent to the State by the 
Massachusetts regiments in the Burnside Expedition. An order 
was also read from Gen. Burnside, tendering his thanks to the 
various regiments for their gallant conduct in the battle of New- 
bern, and ordering the words " Newbern, March 14," to be in- 
scribed on their banners. 

During the rest of March, the regiment was employed on picket- 
duty, and, the 2d of April, went on an expedition to Pilot Bay. 

April 5, Gen. Burnside's expedition was re-organized into a 
grand corps d'armee, of three divisions, under Gens. Foster, 
Reno, and Park ; the Twenty-third 'being assigned to the first 
brigade, under command of Col. Amory, in Gen. Foster's division. 

April 11 and 12, the regiment went into camp at Batchelder's 
Creek, eight miles from Newbern. According to orders, it left 
Batchelder's Creek on the morning of May 4, and, after marching 
about four miles, went into camp near Red House, about twelve 
miles from Newbern, on the Trent Road leading to Kinston. The 
regiment performed picket-duty till May 7 ; when a part went to the 
rehef of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, acting as provost-guard at 
Newbern, followed the next day by the remainder of the troops. 

Oct. *30, four companies of the Twenty-third left Newbern, on 
an expedition to the Neuse River, under the command of Major 
Chambers. They reached Washington on the evening of Nov. 1 
without molestation. Next day the line of march was continued, 
their forces being augmented by Col. Amory's command. 

Nov. 3, towards sundown, the advance came across the enemy, posted 
behind intrenehments, at a place called Rawle's Mills, who disputed their 
passage ; but our forces soon compelled them to retreat, and the following 
morning the advance again continued on to Williamston, which place the 
column reached at noon, having marched a distance of twenty-three miles 
from Washington. Leaving the sick and footsore on board the gunboats in 
the river, the troops marched out of the town about three miles, and 
bivouacked for the night. Nov. 4, they took up the line of march for 
Hamilton, within two miles of which they were obliged to halt for several 



THE TWENTY-THIRD AT GOLDSBOROVGH. 293 

hours to build a bridge, neai' wbich was a deserted breastwork, leadino- from 
the woods across the main road to a fort on the river-bank. Hamilton was 
reached about sundown, and, like Williamston, was found entirely deserted. 

On the 10th, the expedition returned to Newborn, having 
marched a hundred and iifty miles in thirteen days. Durhig 
the absence of the expedition. Col. Kurtz, who had been left in 
command of the defences at Newberii, was informed that a 
large force of rebels was about ten miles out, and intended to 
attack the place. Early in the morning of Nov. 22, five compa- 
nies, with the Fifth Rhode-Island infantry, under command of 
Major Chambers, proceeded to Batchelder's Creek, but found no 
hostile force. On the 22d, the regiment was relieved from pro- 
vost-duty ; and on the 10th of December, commanded by Major 
Chambers, and attached to Col. Amory's brigade, the Twenty- 
third, together with all the forces about Newborn, started on an 
expedition toward Goldsborough. The whole, under command of 
Major-Gen, Foster, marched seventeen miles toward Kinston. 
Three miles from that place, in sight of the rebel camp-fires, 
the regiment bivouacked in a swamp, without kindling a fire 
throughout all that cold night. 

On the morning of the 14th, every thing was put in readiness for a battle, 
which began about nine o'clock. During the battle, the regiment supported the 
Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania, which was on the left of the line. The enemy 
was driven from his position and through the town. 

On the 16th, our brigade, having the advance, soon came upon the enemy 
at Whitehall : the place is on the left bank of the River Neuse. The ene- 
my was strongly intrenched on the right bank, the river being quite narrow at 
this point. A gunboat, partly built at this place, was destroyed. The 
Twenty-third was unmediately ordered forward to support the Seventeenth 
jNIassachusetts and the Ninth New-Jersey, who were in advance, and had en- 
gaged the enemy. We marched forward, and came "on the right, by file, into 
line," in as good order as though we were on drill in camp. The Ihie being 
formed, we moved forward to the woods, and up to the banks of the river, 
where the enemy poured the lead and iron into us like rain. We opened fire 
when they were within ten yards of us. Separated by the narrow stream, 
which was so deep that it was impossible to charge across, it was provoking to 
the boys to stand there, and not be able to give them the "steel ; " but a steady 
fire from our men made them seek shelter behind the trees. The regiment 
remained under fire about two hours, when it was ordered to the rear. We 
lost in the engagement thu-teen killed and fifty-four wounded; total, sixty- 
seven. The column passed on towards Groldsborough. We were obliged to 



294 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION . 

leave some of our dead and wounded on the field on account of the fire of 
the rebel sharpshooters on the right bank of the river. 

On the 17tb, Gen. Foster's advance came upon the enemy, who 
charged a number of times upon the batteries of Gen. Foster, but 
were driven back. Meanwhile the cavalry were engaged in burn- 
ing the bridges and tearing up the track of the Wilmington Rail- 
road, The object of the expedition having been accomplished, the 
regiment returned to Newbern on the 21st. 

On the 13th of January, 1863, being ordered to Carolina City, 
the regiment, under command of Lieut.-Col. Elwell, proceeded 
by rail to Bogue Sound, and tlience, both by land and water, to 
St. Helena Island, which was reached Feb. 11. April 3, Compa- 
nies A and K went on board a ship, and, on the 5th, anchored off 
the mouth of Edisto River, but were ordered back to Hilton Head, 
where they arrived on the 12th. Being ordered to the relief of 
Gen. Foster, who was reported surrounded by the enemy at Little 
Washington, the whole force sailed for Newbern on the 14th. 
On their arrival there, they were enthusiastically greeted by the 
loyal people of Newbern. Finding the general, who had run tlie 
blockade of the rebels, safe in his own headquarters, the joy of 
the troops was unbounded. 

The next morning, the Twenty-third, witli all tlio troops that 
could be spared, under the command of Gen. Foster, started 
to relieve the garrison at Little Washington. After marches 
and countermarches through mud and water, they proceeded to 
the fort, and found that the rebels liad raised the siege, and re- 
treated. The troops then went on board the steamer " Phoenix " 
to Newbern. On the 25th, they proceeded to Carolina City, and 
encamped on the site of their former camp, — Camp Heckman. 
Some of the companies were now sent to relieve the garrison at 
Fort Spinola ; others on a reconnoissancc up the island to break 
up the communication of citizens with Beaufort, and on an expedi- 
tion ^ward Trenton. 

July 7, Gen. Heckman came up with a body of the enemy at 
Wilcox Bridge : after a brief engagement, the enemy fled. 

One of their last shots wounded Lieut.-Col. Chambers in the left shoulder. 
One man in Company K was slightly wounded with a piece of shell. Dur- 
ing the latter part of the skirmish, the cavalry made their appearance on the 
main road, much to our satisfaction. They came in with a large number of 
horses, mules, carts, and forage of all kinds, and hundreds of negroes of all 
ages. They had destroyed a great amount of property, and taken a number 



THE TWENTY-THIRD NEAR RICHMOND. 295 

of prisoners. The cavalry having passed, we were immediately, with the re- 
mainder of the troops, ordered to take up the line of march for Newborn, 
where we arrived on the 9th. 

During the rest of July and August, marches, reconnoissances, 
and picketing made up the variety of camp-life. 

Early in September, a portion of the regiment was sent up 
Broad Creek in search of guerillas. 

Oct. 16, the regiment left Newborn for Portress Monroe, when 
it was ordered into camp at Newport News. During the months 
of December and January, two hundred of the men re-enlisted, and 
were furloughed to Massachusetts. 

Jan. 22, 1864, were transferred to the south side of the James River, 
and stationed on the Norfolk and Suffolk Eailroad, at a point called " Getty's 
Station," about four miles from Portsmouth. Here the regiment remained 
until April 2(3, having in the mean time taken part in a number of un- 
important reconnoissances, the only one of which wherein it performed any 
marching, or met the enemy, was on the expedition to Smithfield, a town situ- 
ated on Pagan Creek, a small stream which empties into the James River, 
about fifteen miles from its mouth. 

The Twenty-third, forming a part of Gen. Heckman's brigade, 
was ordered to Yorktown, where Gen. Butler's army rendez- 
voused, preparatory to their landing at Bermuda Hundred. On 
the 5th of May, the army, accompanied by a fleet of gunboats, 
proceeded up the James, and landed, without opposition, within 
twenty miles of Richmond. The next day, Heckman's brigade 
made a reconnoissance towards the Richmond and Petersburg 
Railroad, which they reached within a quarter of a mile without 
opposition. Here a line of the enemy's skirmishers was discov- 
ered ; and failing to dislodge their main body, strongly intrenched 
on the railroad, the brigade retired to its former position. On the 
7th of May, an attack was made, as a feint, to attract the attention 
of the enemy, while another force was to strike the railroad farther 
up, and destroy the communication between the two cities. The 
movement was successful. 

May 9, a force, under the command of Gen. W. F. Smith, moved 
down the Richmond Turnpike in the direction of Petersburg (part 
of it along the railroad), destroying the road and the telegraphic 
communications, until within five miles of Petersburg, when they 
met the enemy's skirmishers. These fell Ijack to Arrowfield 
Church, and made a stand with one brigade of infantry, and sev- 
eral pieces of artillery. 



296 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Gen. Heckman received orders to dislodge them from this position, and 
rapidly made dispositions for the attack. He formed the brigade into two 
lines of battle, the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts forming 
the first line, — the former on the left-hand side of the turnpike, and the 
other on the right, their right and left respectively resting on the road. The 
Twenty-third Massachusetts and Ninth New-Jersey comprised the second 
line, the former in rear of the Twenty-fifth, and the latter in rear of the 
Twenty-seventh. The disposition being thus made, the order, " Forward ! " 
was given ; and forward we went. As we advanced, the firing increased in 
rapidity ; and, as we emerged from the woods, the enemy, who could now be 
plainly seen, poured in one volley of musketry, and charged our front line. 
This was met by a volley which caused them to waver ; when the -second line 
fixed bayonets, and charged, driving them in confusion down the turnpike, 
across a small stream called " Swift Creek." The creek ran through a deep 
ravine ; and, as we came upon the brow of the ravine, the enemy opened upon 
us with artillery from a fortified position beyond. It was now nearly night ; 
and we halted, and lay in line of battle until about ten, a.m., the next day. 
We were then relieved by the Fortieth Massachusetts Regiment, and ordered 
to the rear for the purpose of cooking rations ; for we had been without them 
upwards of twenty-four hours, with the exception of a little hard bread the 
men carried in their haversacks. 

Rumors of an attack on their intrenchments at Bermuda Hun- 
dred induced Gen. Smith to return with his troops to their camp. 

On the morning of May 12, we were again in motion, forming part of a 
force that moved in the direction of Drury's Bluff. We had continued skir- 
mishing with the enemy until Saturday morning, when we reached tlie outer 
defences of Fort Darling. Here we made gradual approaches towards this 
rebel stronghold. Upon the morning of May 16, 1864, our brigade occu- 
pied the extreme right of our line, this regiment being the second from the 
right. About four o'clock, on this morning, we were attacked by a strong 
force of the enemy, who, owing to a dense fog prevailing at the time, had 
secretly massed a strong body of troops upon our front and flank, and hurled 
them against us with resistless force. We had no reserve, and no artillery ; 
and our little brigade was forced back, though not until we had held them at 
bay for upwards of two hours, and expended our ammunition. We then fell 
back ; our regiment, out of about two hundred and twenty in the fight, 
having lost eighty-nine killed, wounded, and missing, among whom was our 
lamented lieutenant-colonel, John Gr. Chambers, who fell, mortally wounded, 
while in the gallant performance of his duty. The progress of the enemy was 
stayed ; but in the afternoon we retired to our old position at Point of Rocks. 

On the 29th, the regiment sailed for the White House, being a 
part of the expeditionary force detached from Gen. Butler's army 
to re-enforce the Army of the Potomac. 



THE TWENTY-THIRD IN NORTH CAROLINA. 297 

The regiment remained in the trenches at Cold Harbor until the 
12th of June. On the 18th, it was again engaged in breaking the 
communication between Richmond and Petersburg. On the 20th, 
it took position in the trenches in front of the last-named city, 
taking part in nearly all the operations at this point. 

July 30, the Twenty-third formed part of the support to the 
assaulting column at the springing of the mine, but did not 
become engaged, and met with no casualties. 

Aug. 25, it again took position in Gen. Butler's lines, and, 
Sept. 4, sailed from Bermuda for Newbern, N.C., where it re- 
lieved the Ninth Vermont, on picket-duty on south side of Trent 
River. 

Sept. 27, the men whose term of service had expired were 
ordered to Massachusetts to the place of enrolment, there to be 
mustered out. 

An order, consolidating the regiment into three companies, 
given by Gen. Harland, was countermanded by Gen. Butler. 
During the months of September and October, several men doing 
duty in tlie city fell victims to an epidemic prevailing there to an 
alarming extent. 

The regiment remained in the vicinity of Newbern until 
March 3, 1865, when it started for the interior of North Car- 
olina, forming a part of Gen. Scofield's f6rce, to open commu- 
nication with Gen. Sherman at Goldsborough. 

On the 8th of March, when within about three miles of Kinston, the ene- 
my was encountered in force, and seemed disposed to dispute our further prog- 
ress. For three days, a series of engagements was kept up, resulting in the 
utter defeat of the enemy, and his precipitate retreat from his works, closely 
pursued by our \'ictorious troops. The Twenty-third Regiment was detailed 
to remain at this point to guard the railroad bridge across the Neuse River. 

On the 2d of May, it was relieved from this duty ; and, on the 
15th of June, orders were received for the muster-out of the regi- 
ment " without unnecessary delay." This was effected on the 
25th of June ; and, leaving Newbern the same day, the regiment 
reached Boston on the 29th, and was then ordered to Readville, 
Mass., where, on the 12th of July, it received its final discharge 
and payment, and was disbanded as an organization. Col. Ray- 
mond, who commanded the regiment, says, — 

In closing my narrative of the regiment, I cannot refrain from speaking a 
few words in commendation of both men and officers during the time I had 

S8 



298 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the honor to command them. Their excellent conduct while in camp or gar- 
rison, their coolness and bravery under fire, their vigilance and fidelity 
at all times displayed, entitle them to the highest praise, and have won for 
them the approbation of all who have been in command over them. Rest 
assured that the Twenty-third Regiment, as an organization, never brought 
discredit upon their native State ; and I shall count it the greatest honor of 
my life that I have been privileged to command it. 

TWENTY- FOUETH REGIMENT. 

The Twenty-fourth Regiment was recruited by Col. Thomas G. 
Stevenson, and organized at Camp Meigs, Readville, Mass., under 
the command of 



Colonel . 
Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain 



Thomas G. Stevenson. 
Francis A. Osborne. 
Robert H. Stevenson. 
Samuel A. Green. 
Hall Curtis. 
W. R. G. Mellen. 



It left the State Dec. 9, 1861; proceeded to Annapolis, Md., 
and reported to Gen. A. E. Burnside, where it was assigned to 
the brigade commanded by Gen. Foster. 

Jan. 6, 1862, the Twenty-fourth embarked at Annapolis on 
board a transport, and sailed for Hatteras Inlet as a part of the 
Burnside Expedition. 

Great difficulty was experienced in getting the fleet through Hatteras Inlet ; 
and the Twenty-fourth remained there until the 5th of February, experiencing 
some severe and destructive gales. Part of the regiment was obliged to land 
in order that its transport might get over the " Swash." Just after landing, 
a terrific gale arose, which rendered communication with the fleet impossible 
for six days. Many of the tents were swept away, and the men suflfered se- 
verely fi-om exposure and the want of food. 

On the 5th of February, the fleet sailed up Albemarle Sound ; and, on the 
7th, the gunboats engaged the batteries on Roanoke Island. On the morn- 
ing of the 8th, the troops, having been landed, carried the lower batteries by 
storm ; and the rebels retreated toward the upper end of the island. The regi- 
ment then took the advance, pursuing the retreating rebels, and capturing over 
fifteen hundred prisoners,, with a large amount of small arms, and a stand of 
colors, which was presented to the State of Massachusetts. 

March 8 and 9, three companies participated in an expedition 
to Columbia, N.C. ; the rest of the regiment remainhig at Roanoke 
Island until the 11th, when it sailed for Newbern. 



THE TWENTY-FOUETH AT GOLDSBOEOUGII. 299 

On the morning of the 13th, the enemy was attacked behind his 
heavy batteries, six miles below Newborn. After a three-hours' 
fight of great severity, he retreated, firing the bridge over the 
Trent River. The regiment promptly pursued, extinguished the 
flames, and took possession of a rebel camp. 

From the 18th of March to the 5th of June, a reconnoissance 
towards Beaufort; an expedition to Washington, N.C., and raising 
the flag on the court-house there ; picket-duty on the Neuse, and 
a second expedition to Washington to protect the loyal North- 
Carolinians in organizing a regiment, — were the principal services 
rendered by the regiment during this time. Near this latter city, 
the Twenty-fourth met a regiment of infantry, and a small force 
of cavalry, in a strong position. A severe fight, lasting nearly an 
hour, ensued, resulting in the defeat of the rebels, with the loss 
of their colonel, Singletary, and fifteen men in killed and 
wounded. Soon after this, the regiment was ordered back to 
Newbern. For the next four months, it was engaged in expedi- 
tions to Washington (an important point in that part of the field); 
advancing thence to Williamston, and within three miles of Tar- 
borough ; then returning, by way of Plymouth, to Newbern. 

Sept. 6, after a struggle of more than three hours, our troops 
repulsed an attack on Washington, with the loss of six men 
killed. 

Nov. 11, hostile demonstrations on the Trent Road, driving the 
Twenty-fifth Massachusetts into Newbern, induced Col. Amory, 
commanding the forces there, to picket the entire region from 
the Neuse to the Trent River. To this service he ordered Capt. 
C. H. Hooper, with five companies of the Twenty-fourth. Near 
midnight, the vedettes of Company H were attacked by five hun- 
dred rebels, who, after a gallant resistance by the company, were 
compelled to retire. A reconnoissance, attended by a skirmish 
with the enemy's pickets, was made across Batchelder's Creek, 
by three companies, on the 19th. 

Dec. 11, the regiment left Newbern, with the brigade of Gen. 
Stevenson, on Gen. Foster's expedition to Goldsborough. In the 
battle at Kinston, on the 14th, the Twenty-fourth supported Bel- 
gier's battery ; and, when tlie rebels were routed, it was ordered 
in pursuit. Again, in the engagement across the Neuse on the 
16th, the Twenty-fourth supported the same battery. 

On the 20th, wliich was the tenth day of the expedition, the 
troops made a march of more than thirty miles. 

During the last week in January, the greater part of the regi- 



300 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ment proceeded to Morehead City. Thence, embarking on board 
the " Guide," it sailed along the coast southward, and, on the 9th 
of February, landed on St. Helena Island, S.C. Here it remained 
for about six weeks ; took part in three grand reviews ; and, on the 
27th of March, embarked with Gen. Stevenson's' brigade for Sea- 
brook Island, Edisto Inlet, S.C, where it arrived, and landed the 
same evening. The regiiuent remained here three months. The 
fatigue and picket duties were very heavy, and told severely on 
the troops. 

On the 6tli of July, six companies embarked on board the 
" Mayflower ; " on the 10th, landing on James Island ; and, on 
the 16th, had an artillery engagement with the enemy. These 
companies reached Morris Island the evening before the bombard- 
ment of Fort Wagner. The regiment took part in the assault 
on this fort, leading Gen. Stevenson's brigade, which was the 
rear of the assaulting force. On the repulse of the other brigades, 
this was led back to the first parallel, where it remained until the 
next Sunday evening, when an armistice was agreed upon for the 
purpose of collecting and burying the dead. 

On the 21st, the four companies which had been left at Sea- 
brook Island rejoined the regiment. They had become reduced 
by sickness from full ranks of seventy men each, until neither of 
them could furnish ten men fit for duty. Similar results followed 
from the hard work and exposure to which the rest of the regi- 
ment were now subjected ; so that in a few weeks, of six hundred 
and four men, three hundred and four were on the sick-list. The 
enemy, being protected by rifle-pits on a knoll, seriously interfered 
with our engineers at work on the intrenchraents. On the 26th 
of August, the regiment was selected to drive the enemy from this 
position, and at once entered upon the perilous business in fine 
style. The mortars of our batteries that had been playing upon 
the rifle-pits ceased, and the signal to charge was given. With 
a will, tlie two detachments under Col. Osborn and Capt. Red- 
ding sprang on the fourth parallel, and rushed impetuously upon 
the rebels, who, taken by surprise, and after delivering one volley, 
were taken prisoners before they could reload. The surprise at the 
fort gave the " boys " a few moments to partially erect a covering 
from the fire; and then a battle-storm from Forts Wagner and 
Gregg and from James Island burst upon them. Early in this 
affair, Lieut. Perkins, a brave and skilful officer and a noble man, 
was mortally wounded. Before midnight, the heroes lay behind 
the fifth parallel. 



THE TWENTY-FOURTH AT FORT SUMTER. 301 

Monday morning, preparations were made for a final storming 
of the fort, in which the Twenty-fourth was to have the honor of 
the advance. But the enemy had prudently fled ; and a rapid 
march -to Fort Gregg disclosed the fact of the retreat of the ene- 
my from that stronghold also. 

Col. Stevenson having been detailed on conscript-duty in Mas- 
sachusetts, Major C. H. Hooper took command of the regiment, 
Sept. 8, and was ordered to lead with the Tenth Connecticut in 
an assault on Fort Sumter. Admiral Dahlgren had projected 
a naval attack on the same night. There was now a pleasant 
rivalry between the naval and land forces for the honor of first 
entering the grim fortress. The sailors had the advantage in fa- 
cilities for reaching Sumter ; but their repulse with heavy loss 
ended the affair. The regiments were on guard in Forts Wagner 
and Gregg until the frightful prevalence of sickness led Gen. 
Gilhnore to send the men to St. Augustine, Fla., " to rest and 
recuperate." 

On the 30th of December, a party from these regiments, de- 
tailed to cut wood beyond their own picket-lines, were surprised 
by a body of dismounted rebel cavalry in ambush, and Lieut. 0. 
H. Walker was mortally wounded. Three of the wood-choppers 
and twenty-one of the guard were captured. 

On the 1st of January, 1864, three companies of the Twenty- 
fourth were garrisoning Fort Marion, near St. Augustine, Fla. ; and 
the other companies were in United-States barracks at that post. 
Before the middle of February, four hundred and twelve of the men 
had re-enlisted for three years as " veteran volunteers," and had 
started home on a furlough of thirty days. The remainder of the 
troops left on the 18tli for Jacksonville, Fla., on provost-duty. 
On the 24th of April, these men sailed nortliward, and arrived at 
Gloucester Point, Va., on the 1st of May. They were assigned to 
the third brigade, first division. Tenth Corps, Gen. Butler's army; 
and sailed for Bermuda Hundred on the 4th. The regiment par- 
ticipated in most of the movements of this army. It was engaged 
at Drury's Bluff, and also at Deep Bottom, June 14 and Aug. 20, 
and in the combined attack which followed two days later. In 
each of these engagements, some of its valuable officers and men 
were numbered among the killed and wounded. 

Col. F. A. Osborn having been assigned to the command of a 
brigade, the regiment was commanded by Capt. J. C. Maher dur- 
ing the action of Aug. 14, and by Capt. George W. Gardner 
during the movement of the IGth. It crossed the James River, 



302 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Aug. 26, with the Tenth Corps, and advanced to the front of Pe- 
tersburg. Here Col. Osborn resumed command. The labor now 
devolving on the regiment was severe, and its camp constantly un- 
der the fire of the enemy. 

On the 28tli of September, the regiment, forming a part of Gen, 
Terry's division, participated in the advance of the Army of the 
James towards Richmond, and made a daring reconnoissance 
along the Central Railroad to within two and a half miles of the 
rebel capital. The Twenty-fourth was engaged subsequently in 
several similar demonstrations. 

On the 4th of December, the term of service for the men who 
had not re-enlisted expired, and they were mustered out ; leaving 
in the regiment four hundred and twenty-seven men, wlio, with few 
exceptions, were veteran volunteers. 

From the 27th of October to the 18th of December, these 
troops were encamped at Four-mile Church, near Richmond: 
they were then ordered to Bermuda Hundred ; which post they 
garrisoned until the 8th of April, 1865, when they were sent to 
Richmond to guard the city and military prisons. 

In the month of June, they were consolidated into eight com- 
panies. They were mustered out of service at Richmond, Jan, 20, 
1866: reached Boston on the 24th ; and, on the 2Tth, marched 
to the State House, where the colors were received by his- Excel- 
lency Gov. Bullock, a part of whose address on this occasion was 
as follows : — 

The limitations of this occasion will not permit me to recall, to those who 
are in attendance to witness the closing scene, your long and eminent services. 
Since you left the State, more than four years ago, the eyes of our citizens 
have followed you, — with Burnside to Roanoke Island, Newbern, Kinston, 
and Goldsborough, in North Carolina ; into South Carolina, to the assault on 
Fort Wagner and the siege of Charleston ; to Florida, and back to South 
Carolina ; to the Army of the James, engaged at Drury's Bluff, Cold Har- 
bor, Deep Bottom, and in the battles of the siege of Richmond; and retained 
among the last to crown the triumphs of the field with peaceful guaranties. 

I welcome you home. But all have not returned. Eight oflicers of the 
line and two hundred and ten enlisted men have fallen in battle and by the 
casualties of war. The soldier's bed has been made for them ; but their names 
shall be treasured on the official rolls and in the heart of the State, and they 
themselves shall live in immortal fame. 

I count it among the remarkable proofs of the steadfast and persistent 
patriotism of this regiment, that after it had fully tasted the bitterness of war, 
then, even then, four hundred and twenty of its veterans re-enlisted to share 
in the conclusion of the conflict. 



ADDRESS OF GOV. BULLOCK. 303 

When I think of the discipline of the Twenty- fourth, distinguished among 
all the armies of the United States, I cannot forget him who recruited it and 
so long commanded it. It would be an omission ungrateful to you, and uncon- 
genial to my own feelings, if, before your ranks dissolve for the last time, I 
were not to pronounce in your presence, with honor to the dead and with re- 
spect for the living, the name of Brig.-Gen. Stevenson. Not a more heroic 
spirit has passed triumphantly the portals which this war has opened to so 
many young and noble and brave. 

It only remains that I should now transfer your colors to the great com- 
panionship in which they shall henceforth be preserved ; and that, in behalf of 
a grateful people, I should greet and honor your return. 

After the reception of the colors, the regiment marched to Fan- 
euil Hall, and partook of a collation provided by the city of Bos- 
ton. The men then separated for their homes. 



CHAPTER XV. 

TWENTY- FIFTH, TWENTY- SIXTH, AND TWENTY- SEVENTH 

KEGIMENTS. 

The March of the Twenty-fifth from Camp Lincohi, Worcester, to Roanoke Ishmd. — Service 
there. — In Gen. Foster's Expedition to Plymouth. — Other Expeditions. — Return 
Home. — The Twentj'-sixth leaves Boston for Ship Island. — Sails for New Orleans. — 
Services in Louisiana. — Furlough. — In Slaryland and Virginia. — The Return to 
Massachusetts. — The " Second Western Regiment." — At Annapolis, Newbem, Golds- 
borough. — Closing Service in the War. 

TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 

THIS regiment was raised by authority of the State, Sept. 9, 
1861. Edwin Upton was designated colonel ; and Augustus 
B. R. Sprague, lieutenant-colonel. The next day, enlistments 
commenced ; and by the 25th the regiment was in Camp Lincoln, 
at Worcester. On the 31st, the tents were struck, and the regi- 
ment, one thousand and thirty strong, started, via New York, 
en route for Annapolis, to join the Burnside Expedition. We add 
a roll of the principal officers : — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain . 



Edwin Upton. 
A. B. R. Sprague. 
M. J. M'Cafferty. 
J. Marcus Rice. 
Tberou Temple. 
Horace James. 



Arriving at Annapolis Nov. 3, the regiment reported to Col. 
Morse, commanding the post. Jan. 7, embarked on board the 
propeller " Zouave " and the schooner " Skirmisher," of the Burn- 
side Expedition ; sailed on the 10th, and arrived at Hatteras Inlet 
the following Monday. Sharing in the delays and disasters of the 
voyage, this regiment was landed by the tow-boat " Pilot Boy " on 
Roanoke Island, Feb. 7, and, marching inland a mile, bivouacked 
for the night. Next morning, the Twenty-fifth took up the line 
of march ; Capt. Pickett's company skirmishing in the advance. 

304 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH IN NORTH CAROLINA. 305 

The enemy was soon encountered, and pushed by our sku-mishers 
back to his works. 

The artillery was placed in position, supported by this regi- 
ment. By Gen. Foster's order, Col. Upton formed his troops 
across the road in line of battle, extending from a forest on the 
left to a clearing on which the right rested. Both sides opened 
fire, which continued uninterruptedly for nearly three hours ; 
when, the ammunition of the Twenty-fifth being exhausted, it 
was formed in column by companies in the rear of the right, 
waiting for a fresh supply, until the enemy had left his position. 
The regunent then marched to Camp Foster, at the upper end of 
the island. In this engagement it lost six killed and forty-two 
wounded. From the camp it went on board transports ; and on 
the 11th the fleet got under way, anchoring again on the 12th, 
within fifteen miles of Newbern. The next day, covered by a 
heavy fire from the gunboats, the regiment landed at Slocum's 
Creek ; and marching ten miles through a drenching rain, and 
wading through mud, it lay down at night upon the cold, wet 
ground, exposed to the pelting storm. In the gray of early dawn, 
the " boys " formed into fine, marched ten miles, and came in sight 
of the rebel works, where they were saluted by a shower of shells ; 
but they pressed forward, and were soon in the midst of the 
battle. 

After supporting a battery for some time, the Twenty-fifth was 
ordered to charge on the enemy's works ; Gen. Foster himself 
leading in the assault. The enemy retired on his approach ; and 
the regiment formed in line of battle within the intrenchments, 
and then moved along the road by the flank, in position for street- 
firing. In this action the regiment lost four men in killed, 
and assisted in capturing one hundred and fifty. It then pro- 
ceeded to Newbern, and that night was quartered in the city. 
Here it served as provost - guard until May 9, and, for the six 
weeks succeeding, was engaged in picket-duty. 

July 24, it joined an expedition to Trenton and Pollocksville. 
Returnirig to Newbern, the remainder of the hot summer months 
offered little opportunity for valuable service. Oct. 30, the 
Twenty fifth moved Avith the expedition . of Gen. Foster to Wash- 
ington and Tarborough, and thence to Hamilton, Williamston, 
and Plymouth ; where, Nov. 10, the greater part of the troops em- 
barked for Newbern, leaving the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh 
to protect our artillery awaiting transportation. Returning from 
Plymouth, Nov. 10, the Twenty-fifth was attached to the Third 

3'J 



306 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION: 

brigade, Col. Lee commanding, and left Newbern again on the 
11th. On Sunday, the 14th, was fought the battle of Kinston ; 
the Twenty-fifth supporting Belgier's Rhode-Island battery. After 
the battle, it crossed the bridge, and bivouacked that night in 
Kinston. On the 19th, marching by flank in the rear of the Union 
batteries, it advanced towards Goldsborough. One hundred men 
of the Twenty-fifth were now detailed as sharpshooters for duty 
on the banks of the river in clearing the woods of the enemy's 
riflemen. Next morning, the march was resumed; the third 
brigade having the advance. Skirmishing commenced, and was 
continued until the brigade came upon the main force posted 
near the railroad bridge, crossing the Neuse River. In the action 
which followed, near the close of the day, the Twenty-fifth sup- 
ported Belgier's battery, losing one man killed and three wounded. 
Night ended the contest; and the regiment took up the line of 
march for Newbern, which it reached on the 21st. On the 6th 
of March, 1863, the regiment was ordered to the forks of the 
Trenton and Kinston Roads. Three companies under command 
of Capt. Denny attacked and routed the rebels, burning their 
camp, and destroying a large number of new knapsacks, arms, 
blankets, boxes of clothing, &c. ; and returned by daybreak, with 
the loss of only two wounded. On the 8th, a part of the regiment 
returned to Newbern, leaving Capt. Denny with four companies 
in their position near Deep Gully. On the 13th, the six com- 
panies at Newbern were ordered to outpost duty near Deep Gully, 
that place having been attacked. Skirmishing with the enemy 
followed. In the evening, these companies were relieved by the 
Forty-third Massachusetts, and they marched back to Newborn. 

Another expedition to Batchelder's Creek was undertaken on 
the 21st. On the 22d, the enemy, outflanked, and attacked in 
the rear, fled precipitately to the swamps ; and the Twenty-fifth 
returned to camp, having enjoyed the pleasure of seeing their 
regimental colors floating over the enemy's intrenchments. 
Nothing of marked interest in the history of the regiment occurred 
until the 24th of July, when an expedition was undertaken to 
Winton, N.C. This resulted in the capture of several horses, 
mules, and bales of cotton, but no commissary-stores. On ar- 
riving at Newbern, these, with a few prisoners (sixty-nine), were 
turned over to the provost-marshal, and the regiment went into 
camp. 

It was stationed in early winter at Camp Upton, Newport 
News. 



THE BATTLE OF COLD HARBOR. 307 

During January, 1864, four luuidred and thirty-two of the mou 
re-enlisted, and, Feb. 14, left on furlough for Massacluisctts. 
They were enthusiastically welcomed by the people of Boston, 
and later at Worcester, the place of enrolment and rendezvous. 
On the 21st of March, they again left Boston for the field ; landed 
on the 24th at Fortress Monroe ; and were ordered to Getty's Sta- 
tion, on the outer defences of Portsmouth, Va., wliere they were 
rejoined by the remaining part of the regimanfc, and went into 
Camp Wellington. 

The Twenty-fifth was engaged in two or three expeditions dur- 
ing the montli of April, attended with no important results. On 
the 26th of that month, it was assigned to Gen. Heckman's brigade, 
and went into camp at Yorktown. On the 27th, the regiment 
marched to City Point, on its way to the Army of the Potomac, 
which it joined at Cold Harbor on the 31st. 

In the assault on the enemy's works, June 3, the Twenty-fifth 
made a magnificent charge through a perfect tempest of bullets, 
losing in killed and wounded nearly two-thirds of its number : 
still, with such protection as the nature of the ground afforded, 
they resolutely held it until dark. Then the brave fellows, with 
their tin cups in hand, went to work upon rifle-pits, and, be- 
fore dawn, had made their position tenable. They continued 
there, skirmishing with the enemy, until tlie 12th, when they went 
to White House, having lost at Cold Harbor foui- officers and 
twenty -four men killed. 

The regiment marched for Petersburg on the 15th under a 
scorching sun, and again fought the enemy victoriously. After 
lying in the trenches, and changing position to tlie left of Gen. 
Butler's line of works, it reached Newbern Sept. 10. 

Oct. 5, that part of the regiment whose term of service had not 
expired was ordered to Worcester, Mass., to be mustered out of 
service. The remainder was consolidated into four companies, 
with headquarters- near Fort Spinola, to perform guard and picket 
duty along the railway to Morehead City. 

An officer thus sums up the work and status of the regi- 
ment : — 

During the past year, the regiment has lost some of its best and bravest 
officers. Capt. O'Neill, Lieuts. Daly, Upton, Mathews, Pelton, and Graham, 
have nobly and gallantly fiillen in the faithful discharge of their duties. The 
adjutant, Lieut. M'Conville, a brave and most accomplished officer, also died 
of wounds received in the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 18G4. The 
excellent conduct of both officers and men, under all circumstances, elicits 



308 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ray entire approbation. Their vigilance, fidelity, fortitude, with the unsur- 
passed and unflinching valor at all times displayed, entitle them to the high- 
est and most unqualified praise. 

The total number of wounded in the regiment, since its organization, has 
been twenty-one officei-s, and three hundred and eighty-two men. Of the men 
returned as deserted, none are known to have deserted to the enemy. 

During the mouth of December, 1864, and January and Feb- 
ruary, 1865, the regiment remained at Newbern, doing picket- 
duty. 

On the 3d of March, it removed from Newbern towards Kins- 
ton. From this, to the close of its term of service, July 13, we 
have the following from the official report : — 

March 10. — The enemy attacked our lines at Wise's Forks. In this en- 
gagement, the regiment held an exposed position on the left of the division, 
and gallantly repulsed the enemy. One officer (Capt. A. P. Forbes) and 
four men were wounded. After the battle, we remained in camp until March 
14 ; when we advanced, and entered Kinston the following day. 

Remained here till March 22 ; when we left Kinston, and marched rapidly 
towards Gloldsborough, reaching the town the next afternoon ; our brigade 
(Col. James Stewart, jun.. Ninth New-Jersey Volunteers, commanding) 
being the first to occupy the town, there forming a junction with the army of 
Gen. Sherman. 

After remaining at Goldsborough until April 3, we moved back to Wheat- 
swamp fleeting-house, near Mosely Hall ; having been transferred to the first 
division, Twenty-third Army Corps (Major-Gen. Royer commanding) . We 
left Mosely Hall April 9, and returned to Goldsborough, marching twenty- 
seven miles this day ; whence we proceeded the following morning with the 
corps to Raleigh, and were encamped near the city from April 14 to 
May 3. 

Leaving Raleigh May 3, we marched westward for Greensborough, which 
town we entered May 7 ; thence by rail for Charlotte May 12, arriving there 
the next morning. 

Near this city we continued in our last camp until July 13, when, in ac- 
cordance with instructions from the War Department, we -were ordered to 
Massachusetts for muster out, arriving at R3adville July 21 ; and, on the 
twenty-eighth day of July, were formally mustered out of the United-States 
service. 

Thus closes the record of the Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Infant- 
ry Veteran Volunteers, — a regiment that has always and everywhere — 
at Roanoke Island,. Newbern, Kinston, Goldsborough, Whitehall, Port Wal- 
thal Junction (May 6 and 7, 1861), Harrowfield Church, Drury's Bluff, 
Gold Harbor, in the trenches (June, July, and iVugust, 1864), and in many 
other minor engagements and exhaustino; marches — sustained the hio-h char- 



THE TWENTY-SIXTH AT SHIP ISLAND. 



309 



acter with which it left the State Oct. 31, 18G1, and has vindicated the honor 
of Massachusetts. 

Its colors have never been yielded to the enemy. 

TWENTY- SIXTH REGIMENT. 

The Twenty-sixth went into camp at Camp Cameron, Cam- 
bridge, Mass., on tlie twenty-eighth day of August, 1861 ; it being 
at that time known as the Sixth. On the 2od of September, it 
moved to Camp Chase, Lowell, where it remained till Nov. 19. 
It then moved to Boston. 

Its officers were, — 

Colonel Edward F. Jones. 

Lieutenant -Gohnel .... Alpha B. Farr. 

Major ....... Josiah A. Sawtell 

Surgeon ' Anson P. Hooker. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Janies G. Bradt. 

Chaplain Charles Babbidge. 

It left Boston on the twenty-first day of November, 1861, on board 
the transport steamer " Constitution ; " and after a pleasant voyage, 
during which they touched at Portland, Me., and Fortress Mon- 
roe, they arrived safely at Ship Island, Mississippi Sound, on the 
3d of December, 1861. At the time of their arrival, the island 
was occupied by a few United-States marines, who garrisoned Fort 
Massachusetts on its western end. This regiment was the first 
to encamp on the spot. They remained at Ship Island until the 
middle of April, 1862, without having any trouble with the ene- 
my ; and, during that time, were engaged in no action deserving 
the name of battle. A slight skirmish at Mississippi City, Miss., in 
which one hundred men from Companies B and I participated, 
and in which one only of the regiment was slightly injured, was 
their only engagement. 

On the 15th of April, 1862, the regiment was ordered on board 
the transport steamer " Mississippi ; " and, on the morning of the 
16th, they left Ship Island for the Mississippi River. Arriving at 
the mouth of the South-west Pass on the evening of the 17th, they 
lay at anchor during the night, and on the morning of the 18th 
ran up the river, and anchored at the head of the passes. The 
bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip was commenced on 
the 18th ; and the regiment could only hear in the distance the re- 
port of the heavy guns. 



.SIO MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

On the morning of the 21st, it moved up the river again, and 
finally anchored below the forts, just out of range of the guns. 
It lay there during the bombardment, and witnessed the passing 
of the forts by the fleet on the morning of the 25th. The same 
morning, the vessel ran down the river througli the South-west 
Pass, and round Sable Bay, in the rear of Fort St. Philip, where 
it arrived on the 26th. The troops then left the transport " Mis- 
sissippi " for the gunboat "Miami," and moved up two or. three 
miles nearer the fort, almost in range, where they ran aground, 
and remained fast. The next morning, they commenced their 
disembarkation ; but, owing to the insufficient means of transport, 
only part of the regiment could move at a time, and the last com- 
pany did not land till the morning of the 28th. 

This manoeuvre was intended to break the communication be- 
tween the forts and the city of New Orleans, which was effectually 
accomplished, the regiment taking possession of Quarantine Sta- 
tion, and throwing one company (H) across the river as guard 
on the only road leading to the forts. 

From the 28th of November, 18(32, until the 20th of June, 1863, 
the regiment remained on duty in New Orleans ; when several 
companies under Lieut.-Col. Sawtelle were ordered to Lafourche 
Crossing, a distance of sixty miles from New Orleans, arriving 
there on the 20th inst. On tlie eve of the 21st inst., the enemy 
attacked them, but were repulsed with heavy loss: our own was 
but tbree killed, and ten wounded. On the 26th, they withdrew 
to Boutee Station, a distance of forty miles; and on the 30th to 
Jefferson Station, a distance of eight miles, remaining there till 
the loth of July ; when they were ordered back to New Orleans, 
La., on provost-duty. They remained there till the 28th August; 
when the wliole regiment was ordered to Baton Rouge, a distance 
of a liundred and twenty miles from New Orleans, arriving there 
on the 29th. It was there till the od of September ; when it 
embarked, with nearly the whole Ninteenth Army Corps, to pro- 
ceed on an expedition in the Gulf. On the way down the river, 
the ship lay at anchor off New Orleans on the 3d and 4th ; and, 
on the 5th, sailed from that place, and, after a pleasant trip, ar- 
rived off Sabhie Pass on the 7th. On tlie 8th inst., on account 
of the loss of two valuable gunboats, the fleet withdrew, and re- 
turned to the Mississippi River, arriving off New Orleans on the 
12th. The regiment went into camp at Algiers, just opposite the 
city. 

On the 16th, it left for Brashear City ; proceeding, vid Berwick 



THE TWENTY-SIXTH AT NEW ORLEANS. 311 

City and Franklin, as far as Opelousas ; which it reached on the 
21st of October, and left again on its return march, Nov. 1. 

Tiie movements and condition of the regiment during two 
months of the following winter were reported by its chaplain in 
a letter to Adjutant-Gen. Schouler, dated at Franklin, La., 
Jan. 25, 18G4: — 

On th ? 28th of last November, our regiment (Twenty-sixth Massachusetts) 
was encamped at New Iberia, La. On the 7th of January, 1864, we left 
New Iberia, en route for Franklin ; which we reached after two days' march. 
Within the period above specified we have had no battles, and consequently 
have no report to make of killed or wounded. The health of the regiment is 
excellent : very few deaths have occurred among us. I may safely presume 
that it will be gratifying to you to learn (though doubtless you were long 
since aware of the fact) that three-fourths of the Twenty-sixth Regiment have 
re-enlisted as cavalry. To every one who feels a personal interest in the regi- 
ment, this is certainly a very pleasing fact. If their future should be more 
eventful than their past history, I have no doubt they will fulfil all reasonable 
requirements. 

The regiment remained in camp at Franklin until the 24th of 
February ; at which time, nearly two-thirds of the regiment having 
re-enlisted, it proceeded to New Orleans, a distance of one hun- 
dred and ten miles from Franklin, to prepare for their furlough. 
The journey was performed on steamer " Starlight" from Frank- 
lin to Brashear City, a distance of thirty miles ; and from Brashear 
City to Algiers by rail, a distance of eighty miles. 

On the 25th of February, the regiment reached New Orleans, 
and took up its quarters in the Alabama Cotton Press, where it 
remained until March 22 ; when the re-enlisted members em- 
barked on steamship " Cahawba," and proceeded to New York, 
which was reached on the first day of April, 1864, after a rough 
voyage of nine days. April 1, at four o'clock, it left New York on, 
steamer " Empire State," and Boston at twelve o'clock, ai., and 
arrived at Lowell at four o'clock, p.m. Here they received thirty 
days' furlough, — till May 4, 1864 ; when the regiment assembled 
at Beach-street Barracks. On the 5th, it went into camp at Read^ 
ville, where it remained until May 11, when it proceeded to New 
York. The regiment immediately embarked on steamship " Ca- 
hawba," and proceeded to New Orleans, La. ; where it arrived 
after a pleasant voyage of nine days. 

It then encamped at Carrollton until the 8th of June ; when,, 
proceeding to Morganza, it remained there until July 3 ; when, 



312 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

under orders, it embarked for New Orleans, and went into camp 
at Algiers. From this point it embarked on board a steamer for 
Bermuda Hundred, July 11, and reached its destination July 21. 

On the 28th, the regiment moved to Deep Bottom, and, after 
some picket-firing with the enemy, returned to Bermuda Hun- 
dred ; whence, two days later, it sailed for Washington, D.C., and, 
Aug. 1, went into camp at Tenallytown, Md. 

On the 14th, the Twenty-sixth marched with the second division, 
Ninteentli Army Corps, into Virginia, moving from point to point 
until the 3d of September ; when, within two miles of Berrys- 
burg, a line of battle was formed, and the army intrenched 
itself. 

It remained here until the 19th, when it marched towards 
Winchester. Within three and a half miles of tliis place, a line 
of battle was formed. Company I, of the Twenty-sixth, was 
.thrown forward as skirmishers. About two hours later, the ac- 
tion became general, and this reghuent, being in advance, suf- 
fered severely. Eleven officers were wounded, and nineteen men 
killed. The regiment encamped near Winchester, on the Stras- 
burg Pike. 

Sept. 20, at five, a.m., it again moved to within one and a half 
miles of Strasburg, a distance of sixteen miles, and encamped for 
the night. Sept. 21, at ten o'clock, a.m., it moved forward to a 
range of hills before Strasburg ; and Sept. 22, at six o'clock, a.m., 
advanced two miles ; went into position before Fisher's Hill, Va., 
and there intrenched. About half-past four, p.m., the enemy in 
the mean time having been routed and driven from their works, it 
again moved forward up the valley to Fisher's Hill, and across the 
Shenandoah River, and continued after the enemy on the Wood- 
stock Pike ; marching until three o'clock Friday morning, when 
the regiment halted and rested. At twelve o'clock, m., Sept. 23, it 
again moved forward six miles, and camped one mile beyond 
Edcnburg, and seven miles from Woodstock. Sept. 24, at seven 
o'clock, A.M., overtook the rebel forces near Mount Jackson, 
the enemy constantly retreating. At six o'clock, p.m., went into 
camp about twenty-one miles south of Newmarket, having marched 
eleven miles. 

During the rest of September, and until the 18th of October, the 
marches and encampments of the regiment were within twenty 
miles of Newmarket. At tliat date it was at Cedar Creek, and was 
consolidated into a battalion of five companies ; the remainder 
of the troops leaving for home the next day. The battle of Cedar 



ARRIVAL HOME OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH. 313 

Creek, which took place shortly after, was in the beginning a sur- 
prise, and the army was driven in confusion four miles ; when, 
having re-formed, it succeeded in routing the rebel forces under 
Gen. Early. 

Oct. 24, the battalion was detached from its brigade to do pro- 
vost-guard duty at Headquarters Middle Military Division by 
Special Order, Oct. 24, 1864. 

While Lieut. Joseph McQuestion and forty-five men of the 
regiment were guarding a forage-train on the 26th, a short dis- 
tance from Newtown, they were surprised and captured by rebel 
cavalry 

The battalion left Cedar Creek on the 9th of November, and 
went into camp at Winchester on the 14th of December. Here 
it remained doing provost-duty at the Headquarters Middle Mili- 
tary Division until May 1, 1865 ; when, under orders, it proceeded 
to Washington, and was there assigned to the second brigade, first 
division, Ai-my of the Shenandoah, and went into camp in the rear 
of Fort Stevens. 

June 4, the battalion sailed in the steamer " Louisburg " for 
Savannah, Ga., which it reached after a pleasant voyage of four 
days ; disembarked, and went into camp just outside of the city. 

June 29, 1865, Gen. Davis, commanding the second brigade, 
was assigned to the command of the post of Savannah. The regi- 
ment, together with tlie remaining brigade, were assigned to duty 
at this post, wliere it remained, performing guard-duty in the 
city until Aug. 2, when the battalion received orders to be mus- 
tered out of service. Aug. 26, 1865, the battalion was mustered 
out; and Sept. 12, 1865, left Savannah, Ga., on steamer " Emi- 
ly," en route for Boston, Mass. ; and, arriving at Hilton Head the 
same day, disembarked, and went on board the steamer "Empire 
City." It arrived in New York the morning of the 16th, and 
embarked on the cars for Boston the morning of the 18th ; and 
reaching that city at seven o'clock, p.m., the same day, went to 
Gallop's Island in the evening, there to receive final payment. 

This regiment was a legitimate offspring of the old Sixth Regi- 
ment Massacliusetts Volunteer Militia, which passed through Bal- 
timore on tlie 19th of April, 1861, to the defence of Washington, 
and which shed the first blood in the Great Rebellion. 

40 



314 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



THE TWENTY- SEVENTH REGIMENT 

Was raised in the western part of the State, and was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States at Springfield on the 
20th of September, 1861. It was known as the Second Western 
Regiment, and was officered by gentlemen who had received their 
military training in the school of the Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia. They were as follow : — 

Colonel ...... Horace C. Lee. 

Lieutenant- Colonel .... Luke Lyman. 

Major ....... William M. Brown. 

Surgeon ...... George A. Otis. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Samuel Camp. 

Chaplain . . . . . . Miles Sanford. 

The regiment left the State on the 2d of November, and arrived 
at Annapolis, Md., on the 5th. 

Here the troops remained until the 6th of January, 1862. In 
the mean time, they applied themselves closely, and with rapid 
improvement, to drill and a knowledge of field-movements, and 
the duties incidental to camp-life ; when they embarked on trans- 
ports, and proceeded to Fortress Monroe, where they arrived 
on the 11th. On the evening of the 9th, as a fatigue-party was 
returning to the transport from shore, the boat in which they were 
came in contact with a steam-tug, and was upset; and two men, 
Michael Cavannagh, of Company F, and James M. Hamblin, Com- 
pany E, were drowned. On the morning of the 12th, they left 
Hampton Roads under sealed orders, and, on the following day, 
arrived at Hatteras Inlet, N.C. They encountered a severe storm 
on the passage, during which one of the transports became sepa- 
rated from her consort, and was unable, on account of the high 
sea, to enter over the shoals ; outside of which she remained sev- 
eral days, in imminent danger of being wrecked. 

On the morning of the 6th of February, having remained in 
the interim on board of the transports, which, owing to the length 
and severity of the storm, were prevented from joining each oth- 
er and the remainder of the fleet, they started for Pamlico Sound, 
and duly arrived in sight of Roanoke Island. On the evening of 
the 7th, the gunboats having meanwhile engaged and partly 
silenced the enemy's batteries on the island, our forces, of which 
this regiment composed a part, landed, and bivouacked in an open 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH AT NEWBFAiN. 315 

field ill a cold, drenching rain. Early the following morning, 
the regiment, in company with the Twenty-third Massachusetts 
Volunteers, marched to the attack, passing in their course through 
miry swamps and almost impenetrable thickets, during whicli 
they w^ere exposed to a severe fire from the enemy secured behind 
intrenchments, and in which they lost several killed and wounded. 
Our forces finally succeeded in turning the enemy's left flank, the 
right having been gained by another body of our troops ; when 
they gave way, and were closely pursued by us, which finally re- 
sulted in an unconditional surrender to Gen. Foster, in command. 
During this engagement, the loss of the regiment was five killed 
and fifteen wounded. On the 11th, it was ordered again upon 
transports, where it remained for about a month, closely crowded 
on board three vessels : with impure air, the healtli of the men 
became visibly affected. Here, on the 12th, Capt. Henry A. Hub- 
bard, of Company I, died. 

March 11, the regiment, in company with the rest of our forces, 
left Roanoke Island, and on the morning of the 13th landed, and 
marched towards Newbern, N.C. Early on the morning of the 
14th, it encountered the enemy strongly posted in the vicinity 
of Newbern, and immediately attacked them. The fight was kept 
up, till, their ammunition being expended, they received orders to 
fall back, having been relieved by another regiment. During this 
engagement, the Twenty-seventh suffered a loss of fifteen killed 
and seventy-eight wounded. The enemy having been repulsed, 
our forces rapidly commenced the pursuit towards Newbern. 
Upon arriving in sight of the city, it was discovered to be on 
fire in several places ; also the great bridge which crosses the Trent 
River. The regiment at once proceeded to cross the river in 
boats, and encamped on the other side, occupying the camp of the 
Seventh North-Carolina, about half a mile from the city, in which 
they found good quarters and abundant supplies. Here they 
remained five or six weeks. 

The month of May was passed at Batchelder's Creek, eight 
miles from Newbern. 

June 1, the regiment returned to its old camp, where it re- 
mained until about the last of July, most of the time under com- 
mand of its lieutenant-colonel, the colonel being in command of a 
brigade. 

For the purpose of ascertaining the force and doings of the 
enemy, the Twenty-seventh, with the brigade to which it was 
attached, made a reconnoissance to Trenton. Here they dis- 



316 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

persed a cavalry force of the enemy ; and, finding no intrench- 
ments built, they returned northward to Newbern, having been 
absent three days. 

On the 9th of September, three companies of the regiment were 
ordered to Washington, N.C., and five companies to Newport bar- 
racks ; the two remaining companies having been left some time 
previously on outpost-duty at Batchelder's Creek. With the ex- 
ception of these two companies, the regiment was recalled, Nov. 30, 
to Join the expedition to Williamston and Hamilton. 

This regiment also took part in the expedition to Goldsbor- 
ough, N.C. It formed part of the brigade of the Third, Fourth, 
Fifth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-seventh, and Forty-fifth Massachusetts 
Regiments. The brigade was under command of Col. Lee, of 
this regiment. 

It left Newbern Dec. 11 ; its position being with the l)aggage 
train, in the rear. They encamped that night on the Trenton 
Road at eight o'clock, p.m. On the 12th, it marched through 
swamps, gradually growing worse, until ten o'clock. On the 13th, 
it continued its march, and, about noon, arrived within a few miles 
of Kinston, where the advance had met and driven back a body of 
the enemy, and encamped for the night. Here two days' rations 
and twenty rounds of ammunition were served out to each man. 
On the 14th, the Fifth Regiment having been left to guard the 
baggage, the brigade moved up the Kinston Road, and soon heard 
the firing from the front, the advance having met the enemy ; and 
they soon became engaged in battle. The enemy retreated, and 
the Twenty-seventh encamped for the night in Kinston. On tlie 
15th, they marched during the day, and encamped about eight 
o'clock at night. On the 16th, they were not fairly out of camp 
when firing was heard ; and they soon found that the advance were 
engaged with the enemy at Whitehall. They were ordered im- 
mediately towards Goldsborough, and encamped at sundown 
eight miles below that place. On the 17th, they were early on 
the march, and, at eleven o'clock, came within sight of the Wil- 
mington Railroad. The Twenty-seventh were moved forward in 
line, and behaved bravely through the day. After accomplishing 
the purpose of Gen. Foster, and having seen severe fighting, the 
regiment returned to Newbern. 

The history of this regiment during the winter of 1863 is com- 
paratively unimportant. On the 4th of January, it left camp on 
the south side of the Trent, near Newbern, and embarked for 
Washington, N.C, arriving Jan. 5. 



TEE TWENTY-SEVENTH AT BATCHELDER'S CREEK. 317 

On the 27th, Companies G and H, under command of Major 
Bartholomew, were ordered to Plymouth, N.C., arriving there on 
the 28th, Major Bartholomew assuming command of the fort. 
These two companies remained at Plymouth until May 8, when 
they were ordered to Newborn. During this time, they performed 
efficient duty in scouting through the various counties bordering 
on Albemarle Sound. The post of Winfield, on the Chowan River, 
having been attacked, Company H, with three companies of the 
Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, was sent to its aid. The enemy hav- 
ing retreated, a pursuit was ordered. Company H, in the advance, 
had a fight with a portion of the Forty-second North-Carolina, 
losing two killed and one wounded ; the enemy the same. 

The duty at Washington was unmarked by any incidents of in- 
terest until the latter part of March, when, on the 30th, the pick- 
ets were driven in by the enemy, who had for several weeks threat- 
ened an attack. Gen. Foster, who was on a visit to Washington, 
took command of the garrison. Fire was opened on the fort April 3. 
The weather for the next twelve days was cold and stormy, and 
the rations of the troops insufficient ; but the men behaved admi- 
rably, whether under fire, or in running the blockade to bring in 
supplies. The superior force of the rebels had enabled them to cut 
ofif re-enforcements and the means of subsistence ; but when the 
steamer " Escort " passed their batteries, having on board food 
and ammunition and the Fifth Rhode-Island, the enemy aban- 
doned his design of starving out the garrison, raised the siege on 
the 16th, and retired to Kinston. 

On the 24th, the Twenty-seventh returned to Newborn. Three 
days later, through a drenching rain, it started for Batchelder's 
Creek. Next day, it suddenly came upon the enemy, and drove 
him from his works with the loss of forty men killed, wounded, 
and prisoners ; the regiment losing but one man wounded. On 
the 30th, it returned to Newborn. On the 20th, the Twenty- 
seventh left again in company with the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania, 
endeavoring to gain the rear of the enemy at Gum Swamp. 
The troops marched the whole distance, fifteen miles, in about 
fouriecii liours, as they were obliged to cut their way through a 
dense thicket and swamp. Tiie expedition was completely suc- 
cessful. Companies D and I followed the opening fire on the 
enemy's rear with a gallant charge. One hundred and seventy 
prisoners, one piece of artillery, and several ammunition-wagons, 
were captured. The enemy, however, soon rallied, and pursued 
the Union forces to the fortifications near Newborn, wliere a skir- 



318 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

misli ensued, in which Col. Jones, the leader of the expedition, 
was killed. 

From June until December, the Twenty -seventh served as pro- 
vost-guard, supported cavalry on the Warsaw and Rocky-Moun- 
tain raids, joined Gen, Heckman's brigade at Newport News, and 
were on provost-duty at Norfolk and Portsmouth. Up to Dec. 22, 
two hundred men had re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. During 
this year, the regiment was commanded by Lieut. -Col. Wyman 
and Major Bartholomew. 

Jan. 8, 1865, the regiment was ordered to proceed immediately 
to Newbern, and reached that place on the 11th. Six companies 
were then stationed ait Rocky Run, under command of Lieut. -Col. 
Bartholomew ; and the other four companies at Red House, under 
Capt. M'Kay. 

Early in March, the regiment was brigaded with the Fifteenth 
Connecticut, to form the second brigade, second division, of the 
district of Beaufort, under the command of Col. Upham, and 
ordered to report to Gen. Cox at Cove Creek, where it arrived 
in the afternoon of March 4. 

From this point, on the 6th, Gen. Cox's entire force effected a 
movement, the regiment leading the advance. The advance was 
extremely tedious, and by night it had only reached Gum Swamp, 
a distance of eight miles from Cove Creek. 

March 7, the regiment marebed from Gum Swamp to South-west Creek, 
where the enemy were found to be strongly intrenched on the opposite side of 
the creek; and had some skirmishing, but no casualties in the regiment. 
Dm-ing the night, our skiimishers were advanced to within seventy-live yards 
of the creek, and rifle-pits thrown up. 

The brigade to which the regiment was attached, numbering about one 
thousand men, was at this time about two miles in advance of any support. 

On the morning of the 8th, information was received that the enemy were 
making a movement on the left ; and the regiment was ordered to the left, 
forming a line at right angles with the Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers. 
Skirmishers were immediately deployed, and discovered the enemy in the 
thick underbrush; they having, through the negligence of the cavalry vedette, 
completely outflanked our position, and formed directly in the rear of our 
original line. Immediately upon being discovered, they opened with a heavy 
lire of masketry, which was kept up on both sides for about a 'parter of an 
hour, considerably reducing the strength of our command. At this time, by a 
well-directed charge, the enemy forced us back on to a line with the rest of our 
brigade, which immediately broke. We continued to fall buck in good order 
for about one hundred yards more ; when we discovered that we were entirely 
surrounded, and were obliaied to surrender. 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH AT COLD IIABBOR. 319 

The entii'e brigade actively engaged, with the exception of a few enlisted 
men who escaped after the regiments broke, were thus captured, after withstand- 
inw (as it was afterwards ascertained by officers captured at this time, — from 
Surweon Mathus, Twenty-eighth Regiment Georgia Volunteers, A. M. D.) 
for nearly an hour the whole of Hoke's division, eight thousand strong. Our 
loss in the engagement was five officers wounded, seven enlisted men killed, 
and thirty-six enlisted men wounded. 

Among the captured and most severely wounded was Lieut. -Col. W. Gr. 
Bartholomew, commanding the regiment. 

From this date until the close of its term of enlistment, the 
regiment, reduced to a mere fragment, was employed chiefly on 
guard-duty. It however participated in the advance under Gen. 
Grant during the last week in May and first in June. In a for- 
Avard movement on the enemy's works at Cold Harbor, June 3, 
the remaining fragment of the regiment, under command of Ma- 
jor William A. Walker, a faithful, competent, and brave officer, 
led the column. As they approached a rifle-pit in front of the 
works, the major was struck in the neck by a rifle-shot, and in- 
stantly killed. Capt. Wilcox, and several men of this regiment, 
fell in the same bloody encounter. These were the final disasters 
of this eminently working regiment, which was mustered out of 
service June 26, and, July 1, started for Readville, Mass., arriving 
there on the 7th, numbering only seven commissioned officers and 
a hundred and thirty-two enlisted men. On the 19th, the regi- 
ment was paid off and disbanded. 



CHAPTER XYI. 

TWENTY- EIGHTH AND TWENTY- NINTH REGIMENTS. 

The Twenty-eighth an Irish Regiment. — From Camp Cameron to Hilton Head. — 
Antietam. — In the Wilderness. — Before Petersburg. — An Honoi-able History. — 
The Twenty-ninth. — Its varied Experience. — Vicksburg. — Services in Virginia. — 
Keturns to the Old Commonwealth. 

THE TWENTY- EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

THIS regiment was composed mainly of men of Irish birth. 
It left Camp Cameron Jan. 11, 1862, and proceeded to Fort 
Columbus, New- York Harbor ; whence it sailed, Feb. 14, for Hil- 
ton Head, S.C. 

Its officers were as follow : — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain . 



William Montieth. 
Maclelland Moore. 
George W. Cartwriglit. 
Patrick A. O'Connell. 
George W. Snow. 
Nicholas O'Brien. 



Arriving at Hilton Head on the 23d, the Twenty-eighth re- 
mained there imtil the 7th of April, when it sailed for Fort Pulaski. 
After service at Jones, Bird, and Tybee Islands, it retm-ned to 
Hilton Head May 28. Col. Montieth was placed under arrest by 
Gen. Hunter, and did not again take command, resigning in Au- 
gust following:. The regiment sailed from Hilton Head in trans- 
ports for James Island, under command of Lieut.-Col. Moore, 
After skirmishing, and a fruitless assault on Fort Johnson, it evac- 
uated the island on the 6th of July, and returned to Hilton Head. 
On the 3d of August, it sailed northward to join the Army of the 
Potomac. 

At Newport News, Lieut.-Col. Moore resigned, and Major Cart- 
wright took command. Arrived at Acquia Creek, the regiment 
proceeded immediately to Fredericksburg, and joined the Potomac 



520 



THE TWENTY-EIGHTH AT BULL RUN. 321 

Army. During the remainder of the month, it was almost con- 
stantly on the marcli. 

On the 30th, it was engaged in the battle at Bull Run, sup- 
porting a battery until night ; when its position was changed to 
a piece of woods, where, next day, it was under heavy fire nearly 
an hour. When ordered to retreat, it retired in good order, and 
went to the support of a battery, sustaining a severe fire from the 
enemy's guns. The same evening, it moved with the retreating 
forces of Gen. Pope to Centrr^ville, having lost in that battle 
eighteen men killed, and a hundred and nine wounded ; and, in 
the engagement at Chan tilly the next day, its loss was ninety-four 
in killed and wounded. 

The Twenty-eighth left camp on the battle-field, Sept. 2. On 
the 5th, it was at Meridian Hill; on the 14th, at South Mountain ; 
and, on the 17th, it was engaged in the great fight at Antietam. 
At eleven o'clock, a.m., of the memorable 17th, the men advanced 
under a murderous fire ; the enemy's artillery having perfect 
range, and the shot falling with fearful precision within their 
ranks. They were ordered to lie down, and, for more than an 
hour, were in a position more trying to a soldier's nerves than 
the shock of battle. 

They afterwards drove the rebels before tliem, encamping at 
night on the side of Antietam Creek nearest tlie enemy, liaving 
lost in killed and wounded forty-eight men. 

On the 19th, the regiment again took up its line of march, and 
was in motion, with very brief intervals, until the 18th of Novem- 
ber ; Col. Byrnes, one of the best and bravest officers, having 
assumed command at Nolan's .Ferry on the IGtli of October. 
Leaving camp, near Waterloo, Ya., the Twenty-eighth encamped 
near Fredericksburg on the 23d of November, where it became a 
part of the second brigade, first division. Second Army Cor])S. It 
remained here, erecting winter-quarters, until the 11th of Decem- 
ber, when it removed to a position opposite the city, which it entered 
next morning. Advancing with tlie division, it became engaged 
with the enemy on St. Mary's Heights on the 13th. Its loss in 
killed, wounded, and missing, was a hundred and ten men. After 
changing position in the vicinity of Fredericksburg for tlie next 
three days, the regiment went on picket-duty for the rest of the 
winter on the banks of the Rappahannock. 

April 27, the camp was again abandoned for the march ; and, 
through the remainder of the spring and the first months of sum- 
mer, the Twenty-eighth was engaged on picket, and was crossing 

41 



322 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the enemy's path, or pursued by him ; stopping at Fahnoutli, 
Thoroughfare Gap, Monocacy River, Uniontown, and Havana, 
within three miles of Gettysburg, reaching this point on the 2d 
of July. 

Of the part the regiment took in these important and decisive 
battles, an officer writes : — 

July 2, at seven o'clock, a.m., resumed the march towards Gettysburg, 
passing by the Cemetery-hill Road, and took vip a position with the brigade, 
on the left of Cemetery Hill, in which position the line of battle was formed ; 
and remained so until four o'clock, p.m., when the regiment moved for- 
ward, and became engaged with the enemy, who was strongly posted in an 
advantageous position on the crest of a rugged, rocky hill. We forced him 
to retire from this eminence, and advanced over the top, and almost to the bot- 
tom of the other side, being the whole time exposed to a heavy fire of musketry, 
losing many men from the concentrated fire of the enemy, who was on both our 
flanks, causing us to retire a short distance to reach our support. During this 
engagement and the following one next day, the regiment lost a hundred and 
one men in killed, wounded, and missing. 

On the 5th, the regiment commenced another series of marches, 
including in its encampments, up to Dec. 7, old battle-grounds, 
and points of interest, along the Rappahannock and Rapidan. 

The regiment remained in winter-quarters at Stevensburg, Ya., 
performing picket-guard and other duties, from the 1st of Janu- 
ary to the 3d of May, the evening of which day it broke camp, 
and marched with twenty commissioned officers and four hundred 
and eiglity-fivc enlisted men, under command of Lieut.-Col. George 
W. Cartwright, crossing the Rapidan River, and reaching the 
Chancellorsville House the afternoon of May 4, passing over the 
old battle-field ; thence to Todd's Tavern, the regiment acting as 
flankers, with extremely arduous duties to perform in this capaci- 
ty, and, towards night, working on breastworks, and skirmishing. 
May 5, the regiment was again deployed as skirmishers. In the 
battle of this day, — the Wilderness, — the regiment lost sixteen 
killed, sixty-seven wounded, and fifteen missing. Here fell, while 
nobly performing his duty, the brave Capt. James A. M'Intire, and 
here also the gallant and efficient Capt. Charles V. Smith received 
his death-wound. 

In the subsequent fights and skirmishes of the next six days, the 
regiment lost in killed seven, and in wounded and missing twenty- 
seven. At daylight of the 12th, near Spottsylvania, it made a 
desperate charge on the enemy's works, assisting in the capture 



THE TWENTY-EIGHTH AT PETERSBURG. 323 

of many prisoners, and pieces of artillery, but losing, in killed 
and wounded, fifty men. The same thing was repeated at day- 
light on the 18th, which resulted in carrying the enemy's first 
line. In this assault, the regiment lost many gallant officers and 
soldiers. 

Here fell, mortally wounded, the brave Major A. J. Lawler, 
and the much esteemed and regretted Capts. Magner and Coch- 
rane. 

The regiment moved from Spottsylvania Court House on the 
22d ; crossed the North Anna on the 24th ; and continued to ad- 
vance with very frequent skirmishes, arriving on the 3d of June 
at Cold Harbor. In the engagement at this place, the Twenty- 
eighth suffered greatly, without having the opportunity of firing a 
shot. 

It formed in line, and made a charge on the enemy's works ; 
was exposed to a tremendous fire of musketry and artillery, and 
suffered heavily. At this fight, the brave soldier and respected 
officer, Col. Richard Byrnes, received his death-wound, as did also 
First Lieut. James B, West. The casualties were, this day, ten 
killed, forty-six wounded, and one missing. Towards night, the 
regiment fell back behind their intrenchments, and remained in 
this position until June 14. The evening of this date, the regiment 
crossed the James River, and proceeded that night and the 15th 
in the direction of Petersburg. On the afternoon of the 16th, it 
made a charge on the enemy's works, carrying one line, and fol- 
lowing up vigorously until checked by superior force of the enemy ; 
losing three killed, fourteen wounded, and two missing. 

June 20, the regiment was transferred from the second to the 
first brigade (Brig.-Gen. N. A. Miles commanding), first division, 
Second Army Corps. It marched in the afternoon, acting as 
flankers, and exposed to the enemy's fire. On the 22d, the 
regiment was deployed as skirmishers to meet an attack of the 
enemy. Here, as a thin skirmish line, the regiment did noble 
work by determinedly holding its position ; and assisted materi- 
ally in checking, while flushed with victory, the enemy's progress, 
receiving on the field the compliments of both brigade and divi- 
sion commanders. The loss was one killed, nine wounded, and 
one missing. 

From this time until the 9th of July, the regiment was kept in 
reserve. It was then employed in picket and fatigue duties until 
the 26th ; when, Capt. I. Fleming commanding, it made a long 
and weary night-marcii, crossing both the James and the Appo- 



324 MASSACHUSETTS m THE REBELLION: 

mattox, and arriving at Deep Bottom on the morning of the 27th. 
It was here deployed as skirmishers, and soon became hotly 
engaged with the enemy. 

The regiment succeeded in getting on the enemy's flank, driv- 
ing him in confusion from his works, where he left in his flight 
four twenty-pounder Parrott guns, with caissons and ammunition ; 
while several prisoners were captured, including one commis- 
sioned officer. During the remainder of the day, the regiment 
was on picket. On the evening of the 28th, it moved back to the 
New-market Road, and assisted in throwing up a line of works. 

The 29tli, at dark, the regiment with the corps recrossed the 
James and Appomattox Rivers, and returned to its position be- 
fore Petersburg, Ya., on the morning of the 30th, and acted as a 
support to the Ninth Army Corps. The regiment lost at Deep 
Bottom two killed and two wounded. 

On the evening of July 30, the regiment was again in its old 
encampment, where it remained until the afternoon of the 12th 
of August, when it broke camp, and marched to City Point, a 
distance of ten miles. The next day, the regiment embarked on 
transports for Deep Bottom, and disembarked there the morning 
of the 14th. During the forenoon, it made a demonstration 
against a rebel battery, suffering a loss of four killed and eleven 
wounded. On the 15th, it moved to the right of the line, and 
bivouacked for the night. On the l<3th, it moved out on the 
Charles-City Road (supporting cavalry), advancing as skirmishers, 
and engaged the enemy. After a stubborn and well-contested re- 
sistance against superior numbers, the regiment fell back upon its 
brigade, losing heavily in killed, wounded, and missing. At dark 
on the 20th, it marched back to Petersl)urg, reaching that position 
on the morning of the 21st. The regiment lost here two killed, 
sixteen wounded, and twenty-two missing. 

On the 25th, it was engaged in tlie fiercely contested action of 
Ream's Station, on the Weldon Railroad, and was publicly com- 
plimented for its gallant conduct. 

From this time until the 13th of December, the Twenty-eighth 
was constantly changing its positions and camps, and employed 
on picket-guard and fatigue-duties in front of Petersburg; when, 
its term of service having expired, two officers and twenty men 
(being all with the regiment that had not re-enlisted), under 
command of Col. Cartwright, proceeded to Boston to be mustered 
out of service. The rest of the regiment was consolidated into a 
battalion of five companies, and was known as the Twenty-eighth 



THE TWENTY-EIGHTH AT PETERSBURG. 325 

Battalion Massachusetts Volunteers. Until March 25, 1865, the 
battalion remained in front of Petersburg; when (we quote 
from official reports), under command of Lieut.-Col. James Flem- 
ing, it broke camp, and moved to the front line of works, remain- 
ing under arms several hours; after which, an attack was ordered 
to^be made on the enemy's lines in our front. The enemy ad- 
vanced from their works to meet us, and were twice repulsed with ^ 
heavy loss. On this occasion, the battalion remained under fire 
until all their ammufiition was expended, but still maintained its 
position, although exposed to a galling fire of musketry and artil- 
lery. The loss of the battalion in this well-contested engagement 
was four commissioned officers wounded ; viz., Lieut.-Col. James 
Fleming, Capt. John Connor, Capt. Patrick M'Intyre, and Fu-st 
Lieut. T. J. Parker; seven enlisted men killed, and sixty-five 
wounded', many of whom have since died, — out of less than two 
hundred men taken into action. ^ 

The battalion was subsequently engaged at Hatcher's Run, 
South-side Railroad, and was with the army on the occasion of 
Gen. Lee's surrender of the rebel forces to Gen. Grant. 

In all these marches and skirmishes with the enemy, the men 
behaved in a splendid manner, frequently eliciting the commenda- 
tions of their commanding officers ; and, considering the short- 
ness of the campaign, the losses of the battalion have been 
remarkably large, there being six comxmisioned officers wounded, 
eleven enlisted men killed and sixty-six wounded, out of a total 
of a hundred and eighty-four with which it started at the com- 
mencement of the campaign. , n -, .., 
The battalion was encamped at Burkesville until ordered with 
its division to Alexandria, where it arrived May 15, and took part 
in the grand review at Washington, May 23. 

On the 25th of June, it was ordered to report at Readville, 
Mass., to be mustered out of service ; at which place it arrived 
July 5, was paid off, and discharged. 

This regiment nobly performed its part in preserving and per- 
petuating the Government, which now welcomes to its protection 
the people of all nationalities and races. 

The Twenty-eighth took part in engagements as follow,— 
James Island, Second Bull Run, ChantiUy, South Mountain, An- 
tietam Fredericksburg, ChancellorsviUe, Gettysburg, Bristow s 
Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania,- Tolo- 
potomy. Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Deep bot- 
tom. Ream's Station, Petersburg, South-side Railroad, and 
Hatcher's Run. 



326 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



THE TWENTY- NINTH REGIMENT, 

In its organization, was somewhat peculiar. 

Seven companies comprising this regiment were among the first 
three-years' men that left this State. They were sent to Fortress 
Monroe to fill up the ranks of the Third and Fourth militia regi- 
ments, under command respectively of Cols. Wardrop and Pack- 
ard. At the expiration of the three months,* the men comprising 
the militia returned home ; and the seven companies of the three- 
years' men remained, and were known as the First Battalion of 
Massachusetts Volunteers. Subsequently three new companies 
were organized, and attached to the battalion; and it was made 
the Twenty-ninth Regiment, of which Brig.-Gen. Fierce was ap- 
pointed colonel. It was stationed at Camp Butler, at Newport 
News, until the 10th of May. 

Its officers, in March, 1862, were, — 

Colonel ...... Ebenezer W. Pierce. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... Joseph H. Barnes. 

Major ...... Charles Chipmau. 

Surgeon ...... Orlando Brown. 

Assistant Surgeon .... George B. Cogswell. 

Chaplain ....... Henry E. Hempstead. 

From the time of their entering Virginia up to November in 
the same year, the men of this regiment had occupied seventeen 
camps. The first, after leaving Camp Butler, was Camp Norfolk; 
and the last was near Warrenton, in Virginia. 

June 9, 1862, it became a part of the Irish Brigade, commanded 
by Gen. Meagher. 

Extracts from letters written by officers, and forwarded to Gov. 
Andrew, will indicate the slatus of the regiment up to Nov. 19. 
The colonel writes, — 

The twenty-ninth Regiment has participated in all the trials, privations, and 
honors of the Irish Brigade. The battles in which we have been engaged 
since June 9 are as follow; viz., Gaines's Mills, Savage's Station, White- 
oak Swamp, Nelson's Farm, Malvern Hill, and last, not least, Antietam. 

Among the marches worthy of record are the movement down the Penin- 
sula, the rapid march to and from Centreville, the memorable Maryland cam- 
paign, and the present march from Harper's Ferry. 

During this period, five months, the regiment has added to its reputation 
by the mere fact of its being connected with the Irish Brigade ; and it has 



CHARACTER OF THE TWENTY-NINTH. 327 

been our endeavor that the brigade should not by our acts lose any uf their 
already ac(|uired reputation. And, in this connection, I trust I may be excused 
for alluding to remarks made to the regiment, by the general commanding the 
brigade, upon its arrival at Harrison's Landing after the terrible seven days 
preceding. The general said to the whole regiment, "The Twenty-ninth 
Massachusetts has been tried, and, 1 am proud to be able to say, has proved 
itself an honor to the Irish Brigade and to the country." This is nearly his 
precise language, and it was the proudest moment the regiment had seen. 
Since that time, the general has not, to ray knowledge, revoked his decision. 

In relation to the phjsique and morale of the men compos- 
ing the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, Gen. Meagher 
writes, — 

They are obedient, vigilant, and reliable ; ever ready for every duty. While 
in the field, under my own eye, they have been unsurpassed as soldiers, brave 
and heroic. Their loss is no indication of their valor ; for uncontrolled circum- 
stances and location will favor, or be more fatal, as these circumstances may 
happen. Of the field-ofiScers of the regiment, I have to state nothing but that 
the most cordial feelings have ever existed between them and me. They sever- 
ally have my entire confidence and good wishes. They have ever been found 
at their post, and in readiness for the most arduous duties. Col. Ebenezer 
Pierce, who lost an arm in the battle of White-oak Swamp, has my sympathy, 
and, in so soon rejoining his regiment for duty, proved his readiness to be where a 
soldier should be, — at the head of his regiment. Lieut.-Col. Joseph H. Barnes 
is a soldier of the true type, in whom I have perfect and implicit reliance. 
Brave and honorable, he is a credit to his State. ]Major Charles Chipman, 
likewise, is a soldier of first-rate order, and has borne himself as a true man 
and a patriot on the field, and as a pattern to the men of the regiment in all 
times of trial, never flinching from any of the duties or responsibilities of the 
severest campaigns of modern times. Of the line and staff" officers, I can 
only state they all perform their duty becoming true men and brave. Massa- 
chusetts need never be ashamed of such citizens or children. Their identity 
with the Irish regiments of my command has been most pleasing and cordial, 
and the fraternity of feeling is admirable in the extreme. Massachusetts shakes 
hands with her adopted citizens in their devotion to a common country and a 
common flag. They will .•itand by them together until victory crowns their 
endeavors, and harmony is restored to the Union. 

As an incident of the cordial feeling existing in this brigade towards their 
brother-soldiers of the Massachusetts Twenty-ninth Volunteers, I have to 
state, that at a meeting of the otficers of the old New- York regiments, held 
some time since, they voted to their brother-soldiers of the Twenty-ninth Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteers a green banner, emblematical of the particular brigade 
in which they so honorably serve, and of tlie cordiality of feeling which exists 
between them. This banner is now on its way, and will shortly be presented 



328 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

to the Twenty-niath by Gen Edwin V. Sumner, a commander proud of the 
Irish Brigade, and a sou of old Massachusetts. 

Prom November, 18G2, to January, 18(34, the regiment occupied 
seventy-four different camps, and travelled, in marches and by 
steam, 4,277 miles. Its battle-record is, the battle at Freder- 
icksburg, Va., from Dec. 13 to the loth, 1862, inclusive ; the 
siege of Vicksburg, Miss., from June 17 to July 4, 1863 ; the 
siege of Jackson, Miss., from July 11 to the 16th, 1863 ; the battle 
of Blue Springs, East Tennessee, Oct. 10, 1863 ; the battle at 
Campbell's Station, Nov. 16, 1863 ; and the siege of Knoxville, 
Tenn., from Nov. 17 to Dec. 5, 1863. 

Among the thirty-eight men who died in battle and by disease 
is Chaplain Hempstead, who died at Falmouth, Va., in Decem- 
ber, 1862. 

The Twenty-ninth left Newport News, March 20, 1863, in 
the steamer " City of Richmond," for the South-west ; joining the 
Ninth Corps in the expedition to Jackson, Miss., July 5. Jan. 1, 
1864, Col. Pierce wrote, — 

The operations of the regiment in the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, 
Miss., cannot be better described than in the language of Major-Gen. Grant, 
in an extract froni au order issued to the corps to which the regiment was at- 
tached : — 

Headquakteks Department of the Tennessee, 
Vicksburg, Miss., July 31, l;s63. 

In returning the Nintli Corps to its former command, it is with pleasure 
that the general commanding acknowledges its valuable services in the cam- 
paign just closed. 

Arriving at Vicksburg opportunely, taking position to hold at bay John- 
ston's army, then threatening the forces investing the city, it was ready and 
eager to assume the aggressive at any moment. 

After the fall of Vicksburg, it formed a part of the army which drove 
Johnston from his position near the Big Black River into his intrenchments 
at Jackson, and, after a siege of eight days, compelled him to fly in disorder 
from the Mississippi Valley. 

The endurance, valor, and general good conduct of the Ninth Corps are 
admired by all ; and its valuable co-operation in achieving the final triumph of 
the campaign is gratefully acknowledged by the Army of the Tennessee. 

Major-Gen. Parke will cause the different regiments and batteries of his 
command to inscribe upon their banners and guidons 'Vicksburg and Jack- 
son." 

By order of 

MAJOR-GEN. U. S. GRANT. 



BATTLE OF BLUE SPRINGS. 329 

At the battle of Blue Springs, on the afternoon of the 10th of October, 
1863, the regiment maintained its reputation for courage and good conduct. 

Owing to the sudden change of position on the part of the enemy, or a 
misconception, on the part of our general officers, of the true position occu- 
pied hy them, the Union forces, as they advanced to the attack, found them- 
selves presenting the right flank of their entire line to an entilading live, and 
were under the necessity of changing front forward by swinging the whole 
line upon the fixed pivot, at its right flank ; a movement difficult to perform 
under fire, even when -executed upon a plain and unobstructed field. But 
the difficulty in this case was heightened from the fact that the surface of 
the country was undulating and extremely broken ; and one part of the line 
was in a heavy wood, another clambering over a high rail-fence, and still 
another passing through a field of high corn, while other troops were in pas- 
ture-ground and meadow-lands, with hills, hedges, and brooks intervening ; 
so that the fragments of an army were often entirely out of sight of each 
other. 

On one of the steeps passed over, many of the men lost their footing, and 
fell, one upon another: still the line pushed on, driving the enemy, until 
darkness put an end to the operations of that day. One Virginia colonel, 
severely wounded, fell into our hands, and soon after died in the hospital. 

The usual good fortune that has ever attended this regiment did not for- 
sake thein under the trying circumstances with which they were surrounded 
at Campbell's Station on the 10th of November, 1863. Scarcely had the 
battle commenced when it was detached from its brigade, and sent to reHeve 
one of the reo-hnents in the front line of battle. Here for three hours, un- 
supported, the Twenty-ninth Regiment held an exposed and important position 
upon the extreme riglitof the Federal lines. 

Posted in an open field, it was during all this time exposed to the enemy's 
tire, who were holding a wood both in our front, and also upon our right 
flank, at a distance of about one hundred yards ; and from behind a rail 
fence, and trunks of trees, their sharpshooters, occupying the tree-tops, 
steadily kept up a galling fire. . . . 

During the siege of Knoxville (a period of fifteen days), the Twenty- 
ninth Regiment was almost constantly under fire, occupying as it did one 
of the most exposed positions in the whole line of fortifications ; arfd , in re- 
pelling the assault upon Fort Saunders, bore a most conspicuous part, cap- 
turing two of the three battle-flags taken from the enemy on that occasion, 
and receiving special notice in General Orders from department and division 
commanders. 

For a history of the movements of the regiment during the 
year 18(34, we cannot do better than to quote from one of its offi- 
cers : — 

Jan. 1, the regiment was encamped at Blane's Cross-roads, East Ten- 
nessee; and formed part of the second brigade, first division. Ninth Army 
42 



330 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Corps. It was a high, bleak hill, exposed to the surging blasts of a keen and 
eager au-. The ground was covered with snow. The regiment suffered greatly. 
The scanty supply of rations, and their ventilated garments, rendered their con- 
dition any thing' but a happy one. To give an idea of their sufferings, I will 
cite some things that beset us during that campaign. At one issue of rations, 
each man received for his mite eight ounces of flour for nine days. One 
tablespoonful of coffee was issued once in from three to five days. The men 
were unable to subsist on such allowances, and each morning there could have 
been seen parties of two and three in search of food. Some of the loyal 
Tennesseeans would meet them with smiles ; and, vipon being asked for bread, 
they would reply in their peculiar vernacular, " that they were plumb out," 
and not " a dust of meal " in the house. Many of the men were barefooted, 
and raw hide was issued to be made into moccasons. The regiment at this 
place re-eulisted as a veteran organization, and was mustered into the United- 
States service for another term, Jan. 2. 

On the 16th and 21st, the Twenty-ninth supported Gen. Gran- 
ger's Fourth Corps, and then covered its retreat, which was 
changed to a successful charge upon the enemy the following day. 

The troops with the Thirty-sixth Massachusetts dragged two 
cannon eight miles to a railway-station to save them from the 
hands of the rebels. 

During the last days of January, the Twenty-ninth went upon 
a foraging expedition, conducted by Lieut.-Col. Barnes, and, to 
the great joy of their comrades in camp, returned with eighty 
loaded wagons. Prom this date until the last of March, the regi- 
ment was manoeuvring witli the enemy, having no tenable point 
on that line of railroad except Knoxville. 

On the 21st of March, the regiment left Knoxville, and, cross- 
ing the mountains to Nicholasville, took the cars of the Central- 
Kentucky Railroad, and reached Cincinnati, 0., on the 31st. 
Here the troops were paid off, and left, April 7, on a furlough for 
Boston, where they arrived on the 9th. 

The 'Twenty -ninth again started for the front. May 16. Ar- 
rived at Belle Plain on the 20th, and at Palmouth on tlie 23d. 

June 1, the regiment was temporarily attached to the third 
brigade, first division, Pifth Army Corps. It was detailed to 
skirmish, and hi this day's action bore the brunt of the enemy's 
advance, until compelled from inferior numbers to fall back on 
some hastily constructed works. 

The next day, the regiment was transferred to the first division 
of the Ninth Corps, Col. E. W. Pierce commanding brigade. The 
command was at Cold Harbor, but not immediately engaged. On 



THE TWENTY-NINTH AT PETERSBURG. 331 

the 14th of June, it crossed to the south side of the James, 
and continued its march to within a few miles of Petersburg, 
when it formed in line of battle^n support of the second division. 
On the 17th it fell into line, and endeavored to cross an open 
plain. Said an officer, — 

The ground was strewn with fallen timber, and a thick growth of under- 
brush was interwoven with the timber to impede our progress- We suc- 
ceeded in gaining the works taken the night before by Gen. Potter. Re- 
mained in this position through the afternoon. Orders came to fall in. The 
men moved rapidly down a ravine, and formed in line for a charge. After 
arranging the line, we prepared to advance. Pushing through a dense 
growth of pine-saplings, we gained the open field, in which some of our forces 
were promiscuously scattered around. Our line became severed by this time, 
in consequence of the woods ; but we patiently formed our line again under 
its crest. The word " Forward ! " was passed from mouth to mouth. The 
column rose en masse, each man grasping his piece firmly. " Charge! " 
shouted the commander ; and the men rushed yelling and frantic on the 
works of the enemy. JRound shot, grape and shrapnel, flew like hail ; but it 
was of no avail : the line gave way. Again we essayed, but failed. Dark- 
ness settino- in, the enemy fell back to another and more tenable position. 
The groans of the dying and wounded blended harshly with the voices of 
those still resolute, and eager for the fray. To-day, the silent mounds which 
dot that field speak more eloquently than words of the bravery and self- 
devotion of many a New-England soldier. The regiment was commanded by 
Major Charles Chipman, and the brigade was under the supervision of 
Lieut. -Col. Joseph H. Barnes. 

On the 23d, the regiment relieved Barlow's division of the 
Second Corps, and remained in line until the 30th, when it was 
relieved by the colored troops. It then marched down one of 
the regular approaches to the enemy's works, and lay anxiously 
awaiting the signal to charge them, which was to be the explosion 
of a mine under a fort in its front. 

The mine exploded, and the troops rushed simultaneously to- 
wards its crater. The artillery vomited forth a galling fire ; and 
incessant roars of musketry, minghng with the deafening shouts 
of the troops, presented a scene of carnage and Idoody strife rarely 
if ever equalled in the annals of modern warfare. The enemy, 
recovering from the shock of the explosion, rallied, and succeeded 
in repulsing us. Those who had gained the enemy's works were 
mostly captured. 

On the 19th of August, the regiment, under command of Capt. 
C. F. Richardson, in support of the Fifth Army Corps, was hotly 



332 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

engaged with the enemy at Blick's Station, on the Weldon Rail- 
road. The division, Gen. White commanding, reached an open 
field just in time to prevent a fla^k movement by the enemy. 

Sept. 24, the regiment was ordered to garrison Fort Howard, 
and, on the 5th of October, to rejoin the brigade in its advanced 
position at Poplar-Grove Church, where it arrived the same day. 

Oct. 27, the brigade moved out just before sunrise, and 
marched to the left ; forward in line of battle, and advanced over 
what is called Wells's Farm. Skirmishing with the enemy was 
going on until Oct. 28, when we commenced to fall back, the 
brigade to which this command belonged covering the move- 
ment, which was successfully accomplished without a single 
casualty. We returned to camp at Poplar -Grove Church. 
Here an excellent camp was laid out, log-huts were built, and 
permanent quarters for winter were being established. The 
cherished hopes of a winter camp were suddenly blasted by an 
order to be ready to move. 

Nov. 29, we relieved the Second Corps in £i'ont of Petersburg, 
in close proximity to the spot where we were last summer. 

Here the regiment remained, Capt. Richardson commanding, 
until Dec. 31, when it occupied Battery 11, — a post on the crest 
of a ridge to the left, and a little in the rear of Fort Stedman. 
The position is described by a pen before quoted : — 

On the continuation of the same ridge, and only about three hundred yards 
from Fort Stedman, was Springbill, strongly fortified and intrenched, and 
furnished with bewildering covered ways, with mines and countermines, and 
all the appliances of rebel fortification. In the batteries in and around this 
position were some twenty guns of different calibers. A formidable triple 
row of chevaux de /rise protected the position from assault. The picket 
lines at this point were only one hundred yards apart. In the rear of 
Springhill Battery was a road twenty feet wide, in a broad and deep ravine, 
in which troops could be massed in great numbers ; and the road was con- 
tinued as a completely covered way for the largest military equipage as far 
as the outskirts of Blandford. To the right of Fort Stedman, and to the left 
of Springhill, the lines receded from each other, the old race-course lying 
between, white with the bones of the earlier combatants in the siege of 
Petersburg. It will be seen from this description, that, at this part of the 
lines, the salients and posts of honor, on either side, were the Springhill 
Batteries, Fort Stedman, and Batteries 11 and 12. An attack to the right 
of Fort Stedman, or left of Springhill, would expose men to an enfilading 
fire on the vast plain ; to the left of Fort Stedman, or right of Springhill, to 
the difficulties of ravines and watercourses. We held, then, the key of tho 
position. 



THE TWENTY-NINTH AT PETEBSBURG. 333 

Nothing spocially worthy of note took; placa hero during the 
winter months of 1865, nor uiit^ the 25th of March, — the day 
of Gen. Sheridan's march to the left from City Point, the real 
commencement of the strategic envelopment of Petersburg. We 
quote from the official record of the engagement of this day : — 

Existing orders from army heacl(|uarters encouraged the enemy to desert, 
and offered them payment for arms brought across. Heretofore the rules of 
war have required deserters to be disarmed at the picket-line, or even before 
they gave themselves up, if they came in large bodies ; but the multitudes of 
deserters from the rebels, coming peaceably with arms, had caused some 
carelessness in this regard. On the morning of the 25th of March, desert- 
ers began, about three o'clock, to come across in considerable numbers, — too 
large to send guards with from the picket-line ; so that the officer of the 
guard, Lieut. Joslyn, directed them retained on the line, and roused the 
troops in Fort Stedman, sending word to Battery 11 to be on the alert, as 
matters looked suspicious. At half-past three, the suspicions were justified. 
Gen. Gordon's command, consisting of four divisions of rebel troops, of 
whom the supposed deserters were but the skirmishers, made tlieir attack. 
That it was crushing and overwhelming cannot be denied. Eight thousand 
troops were in the column ; in Stedman and Battery 11, scarcely five hun- 
dred. How well they fought is shown by the fact, that, around one gun, 
nine, out of its gun-detachment of fourteen, were killed ; and it was not till 
six o'clock that the enemy had possession of the fort and two batteries. 
Major Charles T. Richardson, with an utter disregard of himself and his 
danger, was ever present, cheering and stimulating the men, and setting a 
noble example. Capt. George H. Taylor ably seconded him ; and these 
two, holding the battery until the very last moment, were taken prisoners. 
A panic among the supports sent to the relief of the Twenty-ninth had 
carried away mucli of the force that ought to have held the works ; but still 
it was not till after six o'clock that Major Richardson surrendered his sword, 
he having previous to that time forwarded to brigade headquarters a larger 
number of prisoners than his whole garrison. 

Re-enforcements commencing to arrive about six o'clock, the lines were 
rapidly arranged ; and with the troops of Hartrauft's division on the right, 
and the re-organized men of the brigade on the left, a charge was made 
about half-past eight, a.m., which gave us the whole line again. The regi- 
ment lay in its old quarters at Battery 11 until April 2, when it joined in 
the demonstration made on the enemy's works at that part of the line ; and 
on the 3d, as part of the first brigade that entered the city, it crossed the 
river, and picketed on the Richmond Stage-road and the Chesterfield Road. 
On the 5th, it crossed the river again, and deployed across the country to the 
Boynton Road, and thence, on the 7th, to Wilson's Station. On the 21st, 
the resriment was ordered to Washing-ton, where it arrived on the 29th, and 
was detailed as provost-guard ; in which capacity it remained at headquar- 



334 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ters, District of Washington, and at Georgetown, D.C., until June 9, 
when the men of the Thirty-fifth -whose term of service had not transpired 
were transferred to the Twenty-ninth. July 29, the muster-out^ of the 
command was completed, and the men started for home. Arriving in 
Massachusetts, they went into Camp at Readville, and were paid and discharged 
Aug. 11, 1865. 

We add from the official report another paragraph : — 

In closing the history of the regiment, it is alike the duty and pleasure 
of the commanding officer to say, that, in the trials it has passed through 
during its terra of service, — which in seven companies was the longest field- 
service performed by any regiment, not only from the State, but from the 
country, this regiment has made itself a part of the history of the Repub- 
lic, and such a part of it, that the commonwealth and the country, the 
servants of the people and the private citizens, have no reason to Ijlush at 
having intrusted their honor in our hands. 

Through many difficulties, after many conflicts, having undergone much in- 
justice, many jealousies and heart-burnings, with wasted ranks and unsullied 
honor, we return to the Commonwealth all the flags she ever gave us, with 
rao'ged folds and battered staves, but having suffered no loss that we are not 
proud of, and no injury save honorable scars ; and worthy of the motto 
adopted early in the war, " Aut viam inveniam aut faciara." 



CHAPTER XVII. 
THIRTIETH, THIRTY-FIRST, AND THIRTY- SECOND REGIMENTS. 

The Eastern Bay-State Regiment. — At Ship Island and New Orleans. — Services in the 
South-west. — At Washington. — In the Shenandoah Valley. — Homeward bound. — 
The Western Bay-State Regiment. — Sails for Ship Island. — In the New-Orleans 
Expedition. — Other Operations. — Furlough, and Welcome Home. — Return to the 
Field. — Muster out. — The First Battalion and the Thirty-second. — Hastens to the 
Field of Conflict. — .Joins the Potomac Army. — Furlough. — Returns to the Closmg 
Scenes of Conflict. — The Discharge from Service. 

THIRTIETH REGIMENT. 

THE Thirtieth Regiment was organized, Dec. 31, 1861, under 
the name of the Eastern Bay-State Regiment. Jan. 2, it 
went on board " The Constitution " at Boston ; sailed on the loth, 
and arrived at Fortress Monroe on the 16th, with 926 men and 25 
officers, under command of Acting Lieut.-Col. Jonas H. French. 
On tlie 20th, it disembarked, and went into camp. On the 2d 
of February, it re-embarked, sailed on the 6th, and arrived at Ship 
Ishind on the 12th of February. Here it went into camp, and, on 
the 9th of March, was joined by Company K, Capt. Cook, with 
96 men. On the 22d, Col. N. A. M. Dudley, a United-States offi- 
cer, assumed command ; an accomplished officer, and a native of 
Massachusetts. 

William W. Bullock joined the regiment as lieutenant-colonel. 
Horace 0. Whittcmore, also a prominent officer in the Massachu- 
setts militia, was major. Other officers were, — 

Surgeon Samuel K. Towle. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Alfred F. Holt. 

Chaplain . . . . . . John P. Cleveland. 

The regiment embarked on board the ship "North America," 
April 15. On the 16th, the expedition left Ship Island, and on 
the 28th arrived off Forts Jackson and St. Philip, when a de- 
tachment was sent under command of Major Vfhittemore. On 
the 29th, it proceeded up the river; reached New Orleans on the 
1st of May, and disembarked on the 2d. 

333 



336 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION . 

On the 30th, the reghnent proceeded up the river on board a 
steamer ; landed in Baton Rouge on the 2d of June, and raised 
the stars and stripes over the State Capitol. 

On tlie 19th, Lieut.-Col. Bullock was detached from the regi- 
ment to act as commandant of Fort Macomb. On the 20th, it 
was joined by the balance of the expedition, which proceeded up 
the river. On the 24th, it reached St. Joseph, and detached four 
regiments and several batteries in pursuit of guerillas. These 
reached Grand-Gulf City on the evening of the same day, and 
found the place deserted. They burned the city as a warning to 
places on the river harboring guerillas, and, embarking on board 
the transports which had arrived, reached Vicksburg next 
day. A company was detailed as sappers and miners to cut a 
line through the woods and swamp preparatory to digging the 
canal, or " cut off" as it was termed. Says the official report, — 

The brigade bivouacked on shore ; and details from the regiment were made, 
and the work commenced. Making but slow progress, detachments were 
sent down the river at various times to collect negroes to work on the canal : 
two thousand were collected. After digging twenty-five days, the work was 
abandoned, as the river fell faster than the men could dig. Tlie canal was 
duo- one and one-quarter miles in length, twelve feet deep, and twelve feet 
wide. Here the health of the regiment began to fail. During this time, the 
usual daily company and battalion drills were kept up, while the shot and 
shells from the enemy were falling within a hundred yards of our bivouac. 

July 23, the regiment, together with the whole brigade, embarked on 
board our transports. On the 24th, steamed away from the swamps of 
Vicksburg, with a parting salute from the enemy ; 26th, arrived at Baton 
Rouge, and quartered in the State House. 

One of the officers recorded, — 

On the afternoon of Aug. 4, the regimental line was formal, consisting of 
three hundred and fifty men, and marched to the outskirts of the city, where 
we bivouacked. At daylight on the 5th, the long-roll was beaten, and the 
line quickly formed. We had proceeded but a short distance, when we re- 
ceived the enemy's fire on our left. A dense fog was prevailing at the time, 
so that we were unable to see the enemy, and could only judge of their position 
from the flash of their muskets. The order was given to lie down, and load 
and fire at will; when we received the enemy's fire in full force, which 
passed over our heads, doing but little execution to our lines. At this time, a 
well-directed fire from Nims's battery and our regiment silenced the enemy's 
fire, and, we presume, created a panic in their ranks. After manoeuvring 
about for an hour, and not seeing the enemy, we returned to our bivouac, with 
the loss of three killed and eighteen wounded. 



THE THIRTIETH AT PORT HUDSON. 337 

In this eiigagoment, Col. Dudley commanded the right wing of 
the brigade ; and Major Whittemore, the regiment. 

Tlie troops remained at bivouac until the 10th of August, when 
they marched to the grounds of tlic United-States arsenal, where 
they formed an intrenched camp under cover of the gunboats. 
They remained here until the 21st, expecting an attack from the 
enemy every moment. 

The exposure to the hot sun through the day and the damj) air 
at night, together with labor in the trenches, produced a disease 
which nearly prostrated the regiment. 

It embarked on board the transports, and arrived at Carrollton 
onthe22d of August ; then disembarked, and encamped near the 
parapet, and close to the river. 

On the 2-l:th, the camp was changed to Materie Ridge, distant 
two miles. Hero the fifth brigade was formed of four regiments, 
three batteries, and one cavalry company ; Col. Dudley acting as 
brigadier-general. 

There being no improvement in the health of the regiment, the 
camp was changed to Carrollton, where the regiment remained 
until November, when Lieut.-Col. Bullock resumed command, and 
the Thirtieth was moved to the United-States barracks, located 
about four miles below New Orleans, and close to the river. Jan. 
13, it again embarked for Baton Rouge. While at this place, it 
formed part of the third brigade, first division, Nineteenth Army 
Corps ; its colonel commanding the brigade. 

On the 14th of March, the regiment took up the line of march 
for Port Hudson. During the night, tlie water-batteries at that 
point were passed by the fleet under command of Commodore 
Farragut, but not without very stubborn resistance on their part, 
which disabled the frigate " Mississippi," so that she was blown up 
and abandoned by her officers and crew. 

The object of the expedition having been accomplished, the next 
morning, at daybreak, the troops fell back to Montecino Bayou, 
eight miles from Port Hudson, where they bivouacked until the 
18th. At twelve o'clock, m., on the 17th, the second brigade was 
ordered to march, at a moment's notice, three miles through the 
swamp to the Clinton Road, to resist a threatened attack of the 
enemy ; but they did not come near enough to give the Union 
" boys " a shot. The enemy was mounted. 

Next day the troops returned to camp, and, on the 19th, set 
out on another expedition. Landing at a point opposite Port 
Hudson, they penetrated the country a few miles ; but, finding the 

43 



338 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

roads impassable on account of a crevasse, they were obliged to 
return to camp at Baton Rouge. Here the regiment remained 
during the month of April. 

On the 12th of May, it left Baton Rouge with three hundred 
enlisted men and eighteen officers in light marching order. On the 
13th, it took up the line of march towards Port Hudson to support 
the Illinois cavalry in destroying a bridge at Clinton. 

At Clinton Plains, on the morning of the 21st, the enemy were 
found in position, and opened upon the advance of the brigade 
with a very brisk fire. A sharp artillery-duel commenced at the 
distance of nine hundred yards. The troops, being re-enforced by 
four guns of Holcomb's Vermont battery, drove the enemy back, 
and advanced as far as Plains Store, where the latter was formed in 
two lines of battle. After a brisk artillery-fire of about an hour, 
the enemy retired. When the brigade was about to bivouac for the 
night, the enemy again attacked in the rear ; but a charge from 
the Fourth Massachusetts, with the assistance of the Illinois cav- 
alry, drove him from his position. For the next twenty-four days, 
the regiment was constantly under fire. 

On the 17th of June, it was relieved with its brigade, and sent 
back to Plains Store to repel a premeditated attack on that 
place. 

July 2, the Thirtieth, at a moment's notice, made a forced 
march to Springfield Landing to intercept a column of rebel cav- 
alry making a raid on the supply-trains of the army. The marcli 
was made in excellent time and order. On the 8th, Port Hudson 
surrendered. On the 9th, the regiment left its position at Plains 
Store, and proceeded by steam towards Donaldsonville. On the 
11th, advanced four miles into the country on a reconnoissance. 
On the 13th, an engagement took place at Rock's Plantation. 

The nature of the ground preventing his movements from being 
seen, the foe advanced in strong force, and flanked the Union 
troops on the right and left. Their position had now become al- 
most hopeless. Tlie guns of the battery had become too hot to be 
used, and the cannoneers reduced to four. The horses having all 
been killed or wounded, Capt. Fiske, not wishing to abandon the 
guns to the enemy, went with Lieut. Barker and others over the 
bank where the enemy's shot were falling like hail-stones, fixed a 
rope to one of the guns, and brought it away : the others they were 
obliged to abandon, the enemy being not more than twenty yards 
distant. 

During the month of August, the ragiment was in camp at 

Baton Rouge. 



THE THIRTIETH AT WINCHESTER. 339 

The autumn months were mainly occupied by short reconnois- 
sances and foraging expeditions, without any thing of marked 
interest transpiring. Tlie watchfulness demanded, and the fatigue 
endured, were, however, none the less on that account. 

November found the regiment in winter-quarters near New 
Iberia. 

By the 1st of January, 1864, nearly three-fourths of the regi- 
ment had re-enlisted. 

On the 8th of January, these removed to Franklin, and, on the 
16th of February, prepared to leave for Massachusetts on a fur- 
lough of thirty days. 

Leaving Franklin, they proceeded to xVlgiers, and thence em- 
barked on board " The Mississippi," and sailed for New York, 
March 6. Arriving there on the 16th, they were transferred to 
"The Empire State," and reached Boston on the 19th. Here 
they were received by the State authorities, marched to Boylston 
Hall, where their arms were deposited, and they were dismissed to 
their homes. 

The regiment re-assembled at Boston on the 18th of April, and 
were ordered to Galloupe's Island, Boston Harbor, to await trans- 
portation. 

May 3, the Thirtieth embarked on board " The Cassandra " for 
New Orleans, where it arrived on the IGth, and encamped on the 
old battle-ground at Chalmette. Col. Dudley here took command 
of the regiment ; remaining with it, however, but two days. 

Lieut.-Col. Whittemore resigned; and, Col. Dudley having been 
assigned to a brigade, Capt. S. D. Shipley took command, 
June 12. 

On the 14th, the regiment took part in a review of all the 
forces by Major-Gen. D. E. Sickles, and, on the 26th, was as- 
signed to the first brigade, first division. Nineteenth Army Corps. 

July 2, the Thirtieth left Morganza on board the steamer 
"Mississippi," and arrived at Fortress Monroe on the 12th, and 
immediately proceeded to the defence of Washington. It was 
employed in this neighborhood until the 10th of August, when 
Gen. Sheridan assumed command of the force collected there. 

A rapid advance was now made, the regiment having been de- 
tailed to guard the ammunition-train. 

On the 19th, it rejoined the brigade near Winchester, and was 
assigned the position of fifth battalion in column. 

The brigade immediately advanced about a thousand yards 
through a thick wood, and deployed, bringing the regiment on the 



340 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

extreme right of the line, with its right resting on a deep ra- 
vine, through which ran a small stream. The fire of the enemy 
was now very brisk along the line. The thick woods partially 
screened them from our view, and prevented good execution from 
our fire. We remained in this position under a cross-fire of artil- 
lery (a battery having opened on our flank, fortunately firing, 
however, a little too high), and maintained our line intact, in spite 
of the passage through it of various detachments of regiments 
which had broken from the charges of the enemy. 

At half-past three o'clock, p.m., the enemy was forced back, and 
our line advanced, driving them from our works and the town of 
Winchester, on the outskirts of which we bivouacked for the night 
at six o'clock, p.m. The casualties in this engagement were two 
killed and ten wounded. 

Tiie next morning, at daylight, we followed in pursuit of the 
enemy, and bivouacked near Strasburg. 

On the 22d, led by Capt. A. F. Tremain, the Thirtieth made a 
gallant charge upon the enemy at Fisher's Hill, driving him from 
a strong position, and capturing several thousand rounds of 
ammunition. 

The pursuit of the enemy was continued as far as Mount 
Crawford, ten miles from Harrisonburg, — which point was 
readied on the 29tli of September ; and, the next day, the 
whole force returned to Harrisonburg ; thence, on the 6th of 
October, it moved back to New Market ; and, on the 10th, the 
Eighth and the Nineteenth Corps fell back across Cedar Creek, 
and camped near Middletown. On the 15th, the Thirtieth made 
a reconnoissance ; but nothing worthy of note transpired until 
the 19th, when victory was so suddenly snatched from the hands 
of the rebels, and what seemed to them a glorious success changed 
into a most disastrous defeat and rout. 

Space will not allow a detailed account of this battle, which has 
been given in the history of other regiments engaged. 

We will only add the following from an official report : — 

It was now nearly noon. Gren. Sheridan bad arrived from Winchester, and 
rode along the line, promising the men that they should be in their old camp- 
gi-ouuds at night. He was everywhere received with great enthusiasm. At 
half-past twelve o'clock, p.m., the enemy attacked, but were driven back. 
Every thing was quiet till half-past three o'clock, p.m., when we were ordered 
to advance. On reaching the edge of the woods, the enemy were found in a 
strong position behind a stone wall across an open field. A charge was or- 
dered, in which our brigade took the lead. In the centre of the field, Capt. 



THE THIRTIETH AT WINCHESTER. 341 

George F. Whiteomb fell, shot through the heart. The rebels were driven 
from thcu- position, and pursued through the woods in then- rear, and over an 
ooen plain, where the brigade halted for a moment to re-form. Gen. Sheridan 
here rode before the line, and complimented the troops. Wheeling to the left, 
we a^'ain charged through the woods, flanking Kershaw's division ; crossed a 
ravine raked by grape and canuister, and drove the enemy from a hill be- 
yond. The plain below was covered with the routed fragments of the rebel 
army. Pressing close upon their rear, we drove them across the plains, 
through the camps abandoned in the morning; and at about sis o'clock, p.m., 
planted our regimental flag, the first United-States colors, upon the recaptured 
works. Three cheers for the Thirtieth Massachusetts Regiment and for the 
old flag were called for by Col. (since Brevet Brig.-Gen.) E. P. Davis, com- 
manding the brigade. 

Nothing of special interest transpired during the rest of this and 
tlie montli of November following. The regiment went into win- 
ter-quarters near Newtown ; and Thanksgiving found the Thir- 
tieth, at the close of a campaign which virtually annihilated one 
rebel army, not only grateful for the success which had rewarded 
its toil and valor, but cheered by the kind remembrances of 
friends at home. Thanksgiving delicacies were duly appreciated. 

It is due a gallant officer to state here, that in the engagements 
at Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek, in which the Thir- 
tieth distinguished itself, Capt. S. D. Shipley was in command of 
the regiment. 

On the 30th of December, 1864, the regiment was ordered from 
Camp Russell to Winchester, Va. ; and there it was detached to 
relieve a brigade of the Eighth Corps at Opequan Crossing. 

Here it had to maintain a very large and strong picket-line, 
which the guerillas almost every night attempted to break and 
capture ; but- not a man was lost, however, signals being arranged, 
so that, the minute there was any danger, the long-roll was 
sounded, and, in five minutes, the works surrounding the camp 
were manned, and the picket was changed to a skirmish-line. 

During the month of March, orders were received to prepare for 
an active campaign, — the last closing act in the horrible drama 
of war, which, for four long, dreary years, darkened our country's 
stage. 

Tlie orders were strictly obeyed, and when, on the last of the 
month, the orders to move were received, we were fully prepared ; 
and at noon on the 1st of April, being relieved by the Sixth A^ir- 
ginia dismouii.ted cavalry, we joined the brigade once more at 
Stevenson's Depot, and moved to Kcarnstown, a distance of fifteen 
miles. 



342 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

It was intended that this coliinin should move up the Shenan- 
doah Valley to intercept Lee before he could reach Lynchburg, 
to help force the end of the so-called Confederacy. 

We remained in bivouac at Kearnstown until the 7th, when 
we moved to Milltown, three miles to the rear. The time was 
spent in drills and reviews, receiving the glorious news that our 
comrades in front of Richmond and Petersburg, and those under 
" little Phil," were doing their work nobly ; and, at midnight on 
the 9th, we were aroused by the boom of cannon in honor of the 
surrender of Lee's army, and the ringing of such cheers as were 
never heard before. 

April 21, the regiment was transported to Washington, and 
moved to Fort Lincoln. On the 24th of May, it took part in the 
grand review of the army at Washington. On the 2d of June, 
sailed for Savannah, Ga. ; and moved thence on the 13th to George- 
town, S.C. Thence, on the 27th, the left wing, composed of fiv-e 
companies under command of Major Shipley, proceeded to Flor- 
ence, a prison-pen of Union soldiers ; and thence, on the 9th of 
July, to Sumter, S.C. 

Three companies of the right wing were detailed as headquarters 
guard for the Military District, Eastern South Carolina, and two 
companies at Sumter, S.C. ; their duties being to preserve order, 
settle disputes, encourage industry, and compel obedience to the 
laws and orders among whites and freedmen. 

The regiment has enjoyed very good health, and the old disci- 
pline is still kept up ; and the Thirtieth is now anxiously waiting 
orders that will muster out the last volunteer organization from 
Massachusetts now in the military service of the United States. 

THIRTY- FIRST REGIMENT. 

This regiment was raised in the western part of the State by order 
of Gen. Butler, and was designated the Western Bay-State Regi- 
ment. It was commanded by Col. Oliver P. Gooding, an able 
and valuable officer, a graduate of West Point, and a captain in 
the infantry service. 

The other field and staff officers were as follow : — 

Lieutenant- Colonel . . . . AVilliam S. B. Hopkins. 

Major Robert Baehe. 

Surgeon Ebeii Kimball Sanborn. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Edwin C. Bidwell. 



THE THIRTY-FIRST AT NEW ORLEANS. 343 

Oil tlio 19tli of February, 18G2, the regiiuoiit received orders to 
march. On the 21st, it left Boston on board the transport " Mis- 
sissippi," and reached Fortress Monroe the 22d. Having taken 
on board Gen. Butler and staff, the regiment sailed from this port 
for Ship Island on the 26th. 

Through stress of weather, and injury to the vessel, received by 
grounding on Frying-pan Shoals, the regiment did not reach Hil- 
ton Head until the 1st of March. Stopping here a few days for 
repairs, *•' The Misssissippi," with its precious freight on board, 
sailed again on the 12tli, and arrived at Ship Island on the 20th. 
On the 23d, the regiment landed, and remained there until the 
18th of April, when it left for New Orleans. 

The men witnessed the bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. 
Philip, and the splendid naval victory achieved by the fleet under 
Admiral Farragut. On the surrender of the forts, the regiment 
ascended the river ; arrived at New Orleans May 1, and was 
the first regiment to land, and take possession of the city. It 
was assigned the duty of clearing the .levee, and escorting the 
major-general and his staff to their headquarters through the 
crowds of traitors who lined the streets of the city. 

Upon its entrance to New Orleans, it was quartered at the Cus- 
tom House, and, while it remained in the city, was eminently a 
working regiment. 

In August, the regiment was divided. Part, under Col. Good- 
ing, garrisoned Forts Jackson and St. Philip ; part, under Lieut.- 
Col. Welden, Fort Pike ; and the remainder was held for picket- 
duty in the city. 

About the 20th of January, 1863, these detachments were again 
united, and Col. Gooding assigned to the command of a brigade, 
consisting of the Thirty-first, Thirty-eighth, and Fifty-third Mas- 
sachusetts, and the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth and the One 
Hundred and Seventy-fifth New-York. 

This brigade was encamped at Carrollton as the third brigade, 
third (Emory's) division. 

Feb. 10, Lieut.-Col. Hopkins took command of the regiment ; 
and on the 12th, with the rest of the division, the Thirty-first 
went in the expedition down the Plaquemine Bayou, prospected 
for the capture of Butte a la Rose. The expedition proved imt- 
practicable, and the division returned to Carrollton Feb. 19. 

March 6, the division left Carrollton, and joined the army at 
Baton Rouge. From this until the 20th, the regiment was in the- 
first advance against Port Hudson, being a portion of the force 
manoeuvring inland to protect the right flank of the army. 



344 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

April 11, Gen. Emory's division advanced on Fort Bisland. On 
the 13th, the regiment was deployed as skirmishers about five 
hours, and was in the liottest brush of the battle, in which the 
enemy was dislodged from the left of his works. 

The April muster of the regiment was at Opelousas. In the 
advance against Port Hudson, via Bayou Sara, the regiment 
crossed the Mississippi, and bivouacked before Port Hudson, 
May 23. It was prominently engaged in the battles of May 25 
and 27 and June 14. In these engagements, it displayed the 
utmost coolness and disciplined courage. 

Shortly after the surrender of the fort, the brigade was ordered 
to Baton Rouge. Here it was changed to tlie second brigade, 
first (Weitzel's) division. Nineteenth Corps. 

Sept. 9, the three companies which had garrisoned Fort Pike 
were returned to the regiment, which was now complete for the 
first time since entering New Orleans, May 1, 1862. 

Dec. 9, the regiment, in pursuance of orders, moved to New 
Orleans ; reported to Brig.-Gen. Lee ; and, on the 19th, was con- 
verted into cavalry. Sabres and Remington revolvers were at 
once issued to the regiment. 

The low grounds at Camp Carrollton being flooded witli water, 
the regiment, in January, 1864, moved to more comfortable quar- 
ters in the Levee Steam Cotton Press, where its mount and equip- 
ments were completed. 

This change of quarters brought together the Thirty-first and 
Third Massachusetts and the Second Illinois and the Second 
New-Hampshire, forming the Fourth Cavalry Brigade, command- 
ed by Col. Dudley of the Thirtieth Massachusetts. During 
the spring campaign, tlie Thirty-first was known as the Sixth Mas- 
sachusetts Cavalry. Col. Gooding was assigned to the Fifth Cav- 
alry Brigade. 

On Feb. 29, the regiment crossed the Mississippi, and, having 
marclied three hundred and twenty miles, reached Alexandria 
March 20. The next morning, it was ordered forward to support 
a force sent the day before to engage the enemy. This advance, 
by a bold night's march, surprised and captured three hundred 
and fifty men of the Second Louisiana Cavalry, and a four-gun 
battery posted on Henderson's Hill. 

On the 26th, the advance of the army began. On the morn- 
ing of the 31st, the regiment came upon the rear of the rebels, 
near Natchitoches. Advancing twenty-four miles through an 
almost uninhabited tract of pine-woods, the regiment in the 



BATTLES OF PLEASANT HILL AND CANE RIVER. 345 

afternoon came upon the enemy in strong force. Tlie lines were 
formed to meet an expected attack. After dusk, it fell back to 
Vv'i\ite Store, and waited two days for the army and trains to 
come up ; then pushed forward in the evening of April 7 to Pleas- 
ant Hill, our advance sharply skirmishing with the enemy. 

April 8, the battle of Sabine Cross-roads took place, about 
three miles from Mansfield, and fifty from Shreveport. 

Here the end of the advance of the Red-River Expedition is 
marked by the graves of a thousand men. 

A large force of the enemy was gathered at this point, and 
strongly posted on the high grounds, and in the woods beyond the 
open tract through which the Union forces were to pass. These 
consisted of but two divisions of the Thirteenth Corps under Gen. 
Ransom, and the cavalry under Gen. Lee, without other sup- 
port than an immense wagon-train. The rest of the army were 
miles behind. The enemy, as though aware of the weakness of 
this body of troops, attacked, and overwhelmed them by num- 
bers. The Thirty-first was posted on tlie left of the brigade and 
on the extreme left of the tFnion lines, and in this battle did its 
whole duty, standing its ground against a superior force of infan- 
try until the whole right of our little army was driven from the 
field. 

The arrival of the Nineteenth Corps just before dark checked 
the advance of the enemy. During the night, the army fell back 
to Pleasant Hill, arriving there in the morning. The battle at 
this place was fought on the 9th and 10th of April. On the 
retreat of the army, the regiment was detailed as guard to the 
wagon-trains, reaching Grand Encore on the night of the 10th. 

In the afternoon of April 21, the army evacuated Grand En- 
core ; and, on the 23d, the battle of Cane River took place. 
The Thirty-first, holding the advance, drove the enemy's skirmish- 
ers across the river, and captured a number of Texas cavalry. 
The enemy was driven from his position, and the Union forces 
held both banks of the river. 

April 30, the regiment crossed the Red River on pontoons, 
and marched twenty-five miles to discover any force the rebels 
might have on that side, and to burn Bynum's Mill, which had 
been supplying them with meal. 

The object of the expedition accomplished, the brigade set out 
to return, the Thirty-first bringing up the rear. 

Arriving at Hudnot's Plantation, seventeen miles from Alexan- 
dria, word came that the rebels were advancing. The line was 

44 



346 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

hardly formed before the enemy charged, at the same time ad- 
vancing a dismounted force through the woods, and attacking the 
brigade on the flank. They were easily repulsed, and a counter- 
charge ordered for the Thirty-first, which was gallantly made, driv- 
ing back the enemy, and capturing a number of prisoners. In this 
charge, Capt. Nettleton was wounded ; and, during the rest of 
the campaign, Capt. Fordham commanded the regiment. The 
fourth brigade relieved the First on the Opelousas Road, seven 
miles from Alexandria, where it remained doing picket-duty until 
June 14, when the army commenced its retreat from Alexandria. 
The Thirty-first acted as rear-guard, and were frequently engaged 
in skirmishes with the enemy. Capt. Fordham, commanding the 
regiment, expresses his warmest approbation of all the officers 
and men throughout the entire march. June 29, the regiment 
turned over its horses and other Government property, prepara- 
tory to veteran furlough. 

July 3, the regiment occupied the old camp of two years before, 
opposite New Orleans, until July 21, when it started for Massa- 
chusetts, via Cairo, on the steamboat " Pauline Carroll." 

It arrived in Boston Aug. 4, and was received by the State and 
City authorities in Faneuil Hall ; and furloughs were issued to 
the men until the 7th of September, when the regiment re-assem- 
bled at Pittsfield. On Sept. 8, it left for New York ; whence it 
sailed on the 9th, and reached New Orleans on the 19th. Upon 
its arriv^al there, the regiment reported to Gen. T. W. Sherman, 
commanding the defences of New Orleans, and, in pursuance of 
orders from the War Department, was restored to its infantry or- 
ganization. A few days after, however, by order of Gen. Canby, 
the regiment reported to chief of cavalry to be remounted, and 
was assigned to the Fifth Cavalry Brigade, commanded by Col. 
Gooding. 

Nov. 19, the three-years' term of service (original enlist- 
ment) of Companies A, B, C, and D, expired ; and the now 
veterans were mustered out of service. The regiment was con- 
solidated to a battalion of five companies. This reduction de- 
prived the regiment of several valuable officers, among whom 
was Col. Gooding, under whose command it had acquired a 
high degree of military discipline, and had won an honorable 
name. 

At the close of 1864, it was the only Massachusetts regiment 
in the department of the Gulf, and the only regiment, save 
one, of the Old Nineteenth Corps that came to New Orleans 



THE THIRTY-FIRST IN LOUISIANA. 347 

with Gen. Butler. It was on duty at Plaqucminc, and along 
the coast opposite Donaldsonville, under orders frorn Gen. 
Sherman, commanding defences of New Orleans, to "protect the 
plantations lying between College Point and Pass Manchoe from 
the depredations of guerillas." 

This required the protection of a district extending about twen- 
ty-five miles on the Mississippi River, and running back to the 
Amite, from eight to fourteen miles distant. It embraced several 
Government plantations ; a freedmen's school ; the telegraph sta- 
tion opposite Donaldsonville, near which was a little settlement 
of loyal men and refugees ; the New-River District, which was 
thickly settled by poor planters, and had furnished many soldiers 
for both armies ; besides many fine plantations of loyal plant- 
ers on the coast. The numerous bands of rebel soldiers and 
guerillas across the Amite often crossed into this district, and 
raided on the plantations, or carried off conscripts from New 
River. The post was considered a difficult one to maintain. The 
force, therefore, was strengthened by four companies of the 
Indiana Sixteenth from Donaldsonville. Scouting-parties guided 
by refugees were frequently sent out to capture guerillas who 
infested the neighborhood. One of those killed a noted leader of 
a guerilla band, one McRory, who had long been a terror to the 
Union men of this region. 

Jan. 30, a scout was organized across the Amite ; and, pro- 
ceeding to a settlement where there was a considerable band 
of guerillas, it dashed into the village just at dark, and cap- 
tured seventeen men. The chase was continued through the 
country around the head of Bayou Colhcil, and returned to 
camp. The result of this scout was to break up the guerilla 
bands in that section, and to put an end to the depredations that 
had so long disturbed the frontier. 

In acknowledgment of the services of this battalion while on 
the coast, Gen. Sherman issued the following General Order: — 

Headquakters, Defences of New Orleans, 
New Orleans, Feb. 10, 1865. 
General Orders, No. 6. 

The general comniauding tenders his thanks to Capt. W. I. Allen, Thirty- 
first Massachusetts Volunteers, and the battalion of mounted infantry under 
his command, for their uniform good conduct since occupying their present 
position, and particularly for the unusual success which has thus far attend- 
ed their operations in capturing the noted guerilla leader and desperado 
King, and, at various times, large numbers of the guerilla bands infesting 



348 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

that region; thus promoting security and good order upon that frontier, 
with the exercise of a good judgment that led to no unnecessary bloodshed. 

By command of 

BRIG.-GEN. SHERMAN. 
Fkederick Speed, Assistant Adjutant- General. 

On the night of the 3d of February, thirty men under Capt. 
Rice, doing picket-duty, were attacked by the enemy at the Park, 
ten miles from Plaqueraine, at the junction of Bayou Plaquemine 
and Grand River. After a brisk little affair, lasting about half 
an hour, the " Johnnies '* concluded that they wanted to go home ;" 
their decision being probably hastened by the timely and very 
noisy arrival of Lieut. Bond and eight men, who had come at a 
gallop three miles, having been aroused by the firing. 

Daylight revealed a loss of one man killed on our side, and 
eight prisoners taken from the enemy. Three of these were 
wounded, two of whom died the next day, and were buried by 
us. The prisoners stated the rebel force at from a hundred and 
twenty to a hundred and sixty men. The next week, the detach- 
ment was ordered to rejoin the regiment at Carrollton, La. 

Meanwhile the regiment was ordered to be consolidated ; and 
Feb. 8, with three other cavalry regiments, the Thirty-first was 
formed into a brigade, to be commanded by Brig.-Gen. T. J. Lucas. 
Next day, this brigade received orders to assemble at Carrollton, 
La., and prepare for the campaign against Mobile. 

Orders to march were received on the 19th of March, and the 
advance commenced. This was continued, without any striking 
incidents, until the 2d of April, when sharp firing took place 
on the picket-line. The cavalry, which had held the advance 
throughout the march, were now relieved by infantry. This 
force moved in front of, and at a "safe distance from, the enemy's 
works at Sibley's Mills. 

The report records that 

The rebels had provided for an advance from the opposite direction. The 
bridge had been sphntered and pitched. Hundreds of torpedoes were planted 
in the road ; but though many exploded, and several horses' were killed, only 
one man was killed, and another wounded. Over a hundred of these infernal 
machines were safely unearthed during the day. Met the advance of Gen. 
Canby's columns from the bay. Spanish Fort and Blakely are now com- 
pletely besieged. Mobile is ours wlien they fall. 

April 4, the Thirty-first was detailed for duty at headquarters- 



THE THIRTY-FIRST MUSTERED OUT. 349 

Spanish Fort fell on the 8th, and Blakely on the 9th. To this 
latter, on the 10th, the regiment moved to guard prisoners. On 
the 14th, the battalion crossed the river, and encamped, reporting 
direct to the commanding general, until the removal of his 
headquarters to New Orleans, when it reported to Major-Gen. 
Granger. 

May 4, a detail from the regiment attended Gen. Canby and 
staff to meet the rebel general, Dick Taylor, who surrendered 
that day on the same terms as Lee to Grant. 

June 3, it took part in a review of all the troops at this post in 
honor of Chief Justice Chase, and continued on duty in the de- 
partment of Alabama until Aug. 23. The official record closes 
as follows : — 

Aug. 23, order from department headquarters in compliance with direc- 
tions from headquarters, military division of the Tennessee, for muster-out of 
the regiment. Horses ordered turned over at once to depot quartermaster, 
and all horse equipments and arms to depot ordnance-officer. 

Sept. 6, Col. Nettleton relieved from duty as provost-marshal-general, in 
order to go home with the regiment ; 9th, regiment mustered out of service 
by Brevet Major L. M. Hosea, chief commissary of muster department of 
Alabama. 

Sept. 10, received the following order, being the last issued to the regi- 
ment : — 

Headquarters, District of Mobile, 
Mobile, Ala., Sept. 10, 1865. 

General Orders, No. 24. 

The Thirty-first Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers, having been mustered 
out of service in compliance with instructions from the War Department, is 
relieved from duty in this district, and will proceed to the State rendezvous, 
where the commanding ofl&cer will report it to the chief mustering-officer 
for payment and final discharge. 

The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation. 

By order of 

G. A. De RUSSY, Brigadier-General. 
Thomas Thompson, Captain and A. A. G. 

Sept. 11, the regiment left Mobile on transport "Warrior;" arrived in 
New Orleans on the 13th; embarked on steamship " Concordia " for Boston, 
and sailed at nine o'clock, p.m. Landed, Sept. 24, at Galloupe's Island, 
where tlic regiment was paid by Major Broadhead, and discharged Sept. oO, 
its work being done, and well done. 

All the officers save the assistant surgeon, and most of the men mustered 
out, had been in service with the regiment for three years and ten months. 



350 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Our losses since Jan. 1 appear upon the monthly returns, which were made 
up by Capt. J. M. Stewart for more than two years, and until his late pro- 
motion ; the faithful adjutant of the regiment, whose services have been invalu- 
able to me while in command. As all regimental records were turned in at 
Galloupe's Island, I am unable to sum up these losses. 

THIRTY- SECOND REGIMENT. 

The basis of this regiment was the First Battalion Massachusetts 
Volunteers, composed of six companies of infantry, organized for 
garrison-duty at Fort Warren in the winter of 1861-2. Of the 
field and staff officers, Lieut.-Col. Francis J. Parker alone was 
in commission when it was first recognized as the Thirty-second 
Regiment. 

May 26, within twelve hours of its receiving ordei's from the 
War Department to take the field, the regiment was en route for 
Washington, arriving there on the 28th. It was encamped for 
some time near Fairfax Seminary, forming a part of Sturgis's re- 
serve corps. Being ordered to join the Army of the Potomac, then 
on the James River, it marched June 25, and arrived at Harrison's 
Landing July 3, 1862. Here it was assigned to Gen. Griffin's 
brigade, Morell's division, Porter's corps, and was stationed through- 
out in line of battle in the reserve. 

Returning with the corps vid the Peninsula and the Potomac 
River, the regiment took railroad transportation from the mouth 
of Acquia Creek to Staffi^rd Court House, where it arrived 
Aug. 20. From this point it followed Gen. Pope's army to- 
ward Washington. 

Sept. 12, the regiment marched with Porter's corps through 
Georgetown and Wasliington northward: reached Frederick City, 
Md., on the 14th of September; and on the 15th, the day after the 
battle, passed over South Mountain. 

During the battle of Antietam, the regiment, still in reserve, 
supported Hazlitt's and other batteries of Porter's corps, but, from 
its position, was protected from the fire of the enemy. It followed 
the retreating rebels to the bank of the Potomac. 

Here it remained until the 30th of October, stationed in advance, 
and doing picket-duty on the bank of the river. 

Nov. 2, the regiment, still with Porter's corps, made a rapid 
march to Snickerville, opposite Snicker's Gap, and arrived there 
just in time to save the gap from Jackson's forces, who ap- 
proaclicd it from the other side of the ridge. Nov. 10, the 
regiment reached the camp at Warrenton. 



THE BATTLE OF CnANCELLORSVILLE. 351 

The Thirty-second up to this time had been frequently under 
casual fire, but had not been engaged, and had lost no men in 
battle. 

When the regiment left Fort Warren, May 26, 1862, it consisted 
of six companies. Another company joined at Harrison's Landing, 
July 23 ; and three more, Sept. 4, at Mine Hill, Va. 

Dec. 13 and 14, the regiment was engaged in the battle of 
Fredericksburg. Of this, the regiment's first experience in battle, 
Col. Parker writes, — 

For the first time, this regiment was thoroughly under fire, and proved 
itself equal to my warmest expectations. Not an officer flinched a tithe of a 
hair during thirty hours of trying exposure, commencing with a rush to the 
front, over a plain, under hot fire of ball and shell ; and the coolness evinced 
by officers and men has won the applause it richly merited. 

Companies B and C, on detached service, were not engaged. 

After the army recrossed the Rappahannock and returned 
to Falmouth, the Thirty-second remained quietly in camp until 
tiie 30th of December, when the division made a reconnoissance 
to Morrisville, and, having accomplished its object, returned to 
camp next day. 

Jan. 20, 1863, another movement against Fredericksburg com- 
menced ; but, the roads being found impassable for artillery, the 
expedition was abandoned, and 'the troops returned to Falmouth. 

In the latter part of April, the army, under the command of 
Gen. Hooker, crossed the Rappahannock and the Rapidan, and, 
on the 4th and 5th of May, fought the battle of Chancellorsville. 
In this battle, the Thirty-second was actively engaged. On the 
retreat of the army, the regiment recrossed the Rapidan at U. 
S. Ford early on the morning of the 6th, and returned to Fal- 
mouth. 

May 17, it was ordered to duty along the Acquia-Creek and Fal- 
mouth Railroads. Forts at Potomac-Creek Bridge were occupied, 
and guards stationed on the track. 

June 9, it crossed the Rappahannock, in support of the cavalry 
fight at Brandy Station, being drawn up in line two miles from 
the station. 

On the 19th, the regiment moved to Aldie ; remained there until 
the 21st, when it moved in light marching order to Middletown, 
and threw out pickets beyond the town to protect the column 
advancing to Aldie Gap. It held this position until the object 
was accomplished, and then returned toward Aldie. 



352 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

On the 26th, it moved through Leesburg ; crossed the Potomac 
at Edward's Ferry, and bivouacked near Poolesville in Maryland. 
The marches northward were resumed the next day. The regi- 
ment reached Hanover in Pennsylvania July 1, and the next day 
advanced towards Gettysburg, and formed a line of battle within 
two miles of that town. At two o'clock, p.m., it moved forward, 
and took position on an eminence just in the rear of the line of 
the Third Corps. In tlic engagements of this and the succeeding 
day, the Thirty -second took an active part, losing heavily in men, 
— eighty-one in killed, wounded, and missmg, out of a total of two 
hundred and twenty-nine who went into battle. 

Leaving the battle-field on the evening of July 5, the regiment 
pursued the retreatnig columns of the enemy toward the Potomac, 
which it crossed on the 19th ; continued its march to Manassas 
Gap, aud took part in supporting the troops engaged there in the 
fight of the 23d of July. 

it advanced as far as Culpeper, Sept. 15, and remained there 
until Oct. 10. Meanwhile the Thirty-second received an allot- 
ment of a hundred and eighty-four drafted men. These proved 
generally to be good soldiers. 

The regiment now shared in the retreat to Centreville, support- 
ing the Second Corps in the action at Bristow Station. 

Oct. 19, the army commenced a movement southward again, 
and reached Warrenton Junction on the 30th. 

In the fight at Rappahannock Station, Nov. 7, the regiment 
was under fire, and was with the army in the movement across 
the Rapidan towards Orange Court House. Recrossing the Rapi- 
dan, the regiment went into camp alone at Liberty, a small vil- 
lao;e two miles west of Bealton, on the main road to Warrenton. 

Jan. 13, 1864, three hundred and thirty men having re-enlisted 
for three years, an order from Gen. Sykes, commanding Fifth 
Army Corps, permitted the men to go to their homes for thirty- 
five days, and take with them their arms and colors. When the 
regiment reached Boston, it was honored with a salute of artillery, 
and a handsome reception in Faneuil Hall by the Governor and 
the city authorities. 

Feb. 17, the regiment left Boston, and arrived at Liberty, Ya., 
on the 23d. 

April 30, it broke camp. May 1, it crossed the Rappahannock 
for the fifteenth time, and the Rapidan, May 4, for the fifth time ; 
continuing the march through a part of the Wilderness till dark. 
It bivouacked near the Wilderness Tavern ; and the next day, 







*'"& '■brG«aE.PeriD.e« 



wr-Wcsy.FiUle)'- &.Co. 



rilE THIRTY-SECOND AT PETKliSBURG. 353 

May 5, was put in line of battle, and became engaged with the 
enemy, and for seventeen successive days and nights was under 
arms without an hour's respite, and in the front line always. In 
the hardships, victories, and losses of this unparalleled campaign, 
it shared with all the regiments in the Army of the Potomac. 

On the lOtli of June, the James River was crossed in trans- 
ports, and the regiment marched to within three miles of Peters- 
burg. On the 18th, it went to the front, was formed in line of 
battle, charged the enemy, and drove them over an open field into 
their last line of intrenchments. A second charge was made later 
in the day with but partial success: the enemy were not driven 
from their works ; but the crest of the hill was gained, which after- 
wards formed the line of the part of the Ninth Corps when the 
famous mine was made. 

In the first charge of this day. Col. George L. Prescott fell, mor- 
tally wounded. He was one of the best and bravest of officers. 
"In his veins flowed the pure blood of the Revolution." July 21 
and Sept. 1, the regiment was engaged with the enemy on the 
Weldon Railroad. In both engagements it was attacked, and in 
both repulsed its assailants with heavy loss. 

Sept. 30, the regiment made an advance to Poplar-Grove 
Church, two miles distant, where the enemy had forts, and lines 
of earthworks. The regiment was drawn up in front of Fort 
M'Rae, charged across an open field a thousand yards under a 
heavy fire, and took the fort with one piece of artillery and sixty 
prisoners. Soon after, the second line of works, to which the ene- 
my had fallen back, was charged and taken. 

At dusk the same day, when the Ninth Corps, which had ad- 
vanced in front, was coming back in confusion. Gen. Griffin 
threw his division upon the pursuing enemy, and checked and 
drove them back ; thus saving the whole of the Ninth Corps and 
the fortunes of the day. This fighting is called the battle of 
Preble's Farm. Col. Edmands was wounded in the beginning of 
this engagement. 

• By order of the War Department, Oct. 26, the Eighteenth and 
Twenty-second Battalions were consolidated with the Thirty-sec- 
ond, to be called the Thirty-second Regiment. The same day, 
by order of Gen. Warren, the regiment was transferred from the 
second to the third brigade. This (third) now contained all the 
old regiments of the division, eight in number, and no new 
troops. 

Dec. 12, tiie regiment went into comfortable winter-quarters. 



354 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BE BELLI ON. 

Owing to the swampy ground about the camp, there was much 
sickness in the regiment during the winter. Early in February, 
orders were received to march. On tlie 6th, it was in rifle-pits at 
Hatcher's Run, upon the extreme left of the Fifth Corps. At two 
o'clock, P.M., the division having taken the place of Crawford's, 
which had given way. Gen, Warren leading the brigade, a hot 
engagement followed, called the battle of Dabney's Mills, or Sec- 
ond Hatcher's Run. 

Re-forming the lines as before the fight, the troops remained thus 
until the 11th, annoyed a great deal by the enemy's artillery. 
The regiment then moved to the Vaughan Road to protect the 
left flank of the extended army. Here it performed picket and 
other duty until the last of March. 

The 25th, it started for Fort Stedman, where the Ninth Corps 
was attacked, but turned back to support the Second Corps in its 
assault on the enemy's right. At midnight it went to camp, where 
it remained until the commencement of the final campaign. 
March 29, the march was made to the vicinity of Dinwiddle Court 
House ; thence towards Boydtown Plank-road, near which the ene- 
my was posted in strong force. Lines of battle were formed and a 
charge made, driving back the rebel ranks, with severe loss to 
them, followed by the pursuit of them until dark. 

This was called the battle of Gravelly Run. The next day, 
the regiment relieved the skirmish line in front of the brigade, 
and about noon was ordered to advance, and feel the enemy. 
He was found to be strongly intrenched behind hastily built 
works, on which an impetuous and successful charge was made, 
only to be reversed two hours later, when the ammunition of our 
troops was exhausted. 

■ The Confederate force then advanced on the main line, and were 
repulsed ; and the Thirty-second was thrown out on the skirmish 
line, and occupied the just now contested works. Near dark it 
again felt of the enemy, and moved towards his second line of 
works over an open field under a cross-fire, but could. not take 
them. 

It was next on the left of the Fifth Corps ; and six companies, 
under Capt. Lauriat, were deployed as skirmishers, while the rest 
remained with the corps until three o'clock in the morning, and 
then marched to assistance of Sheridan, hotly engaging the ene- 
my. It moved, April 1, towards the Five Forks, and again was 
ordered to the front of the brigade-skirmishers, and helped in the 
conflicts and victories of that memorable day, whose setting sun 



THE THIRTY-SECOND MUSTERED OUT. 355 

shone on thousands of small-arms thickly strown by the fleeing 
rebels over the field that sealed the fate of Petersburg and Rich- 
mond, and ruined Lee's army of Northern Virginia. 

Then South-side Railroad, Sutherland Station, Jettersville, 
Appomattox Court House, High Bridge, and Ramplin's Station, 
were soon passed in the wake of Lee's flying army. 

April 9 was a fighting day, and one of peculiar and intense excite- 
ment over the report of Gen. Lee's negotiation for a surrender, 
which was at length confirmed. Then the welkin rang with 
shouts till the boys in blue were hoarse. 

Stacking of arms, and- the funeral-like processions of defeated 
rebels, were the next exciting scenes. The Thirty-second guarded 
the surrendered arms until tlie homeward march commenced, the 
1st of May; pitching tents, on the 12th, upon the heights opposite 
Washington. 

The 29th, the cars were taken for Boston, followed by refresh- 
ing welcomes at Philadelphia and Providence ; and, July 4, the 
men were within sight of their homes for the first time in three 
" terrible years." 

On the 6th, they were at Galloupe's Island ; paid off" and dis- 
charged July 11, 1805. 

The regiment had done a noble work ; and the appreciation of 
its services was expressed in the promotion of an unusually large 
number of officers. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

THIRTY-THIRD, THIRTY-FOURTH, AND THIRTY-FIFTH 
REGIMENTS. 

Gen. Adin B. Underwood. — His Puritan Ancestry. — Career. — His Connection with the 
Thirty-third Regiment. — Gallant Services of the brave Commander and of his Com- 
mand. — Col. Wells and the Thirty-fourth. — In Virginia. — Heroic Death of Col. 
Wells. — Subsequent Jlovements of the Regiment. — At Home. — The Gallant Officers 
and Services of the Thirty-fifth. — South Mountain and Antietam. — In Mississippi. — 
With the Potomac Army. — Mustered out. 

GEN. A. B. UNDERWOOD AND THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

ADIN BALLOU UNDERWOOD was born in Milford, Mass., 
ill the county of Worcester, May 19, 1828. His mother was 
Hannah Bond Cheney, whose ancestors came early to the colony. 

His father was Orison Underwood, born in Barre, in the same 
county ; a boot-manufacturer in business, who was for years in 
the State militia, and rose in it to the rank of brigadier-general. 
His ancestors were among the settlers of Watertown. Joseph 
and Thomas Underwood came to Hiiigham from England pre- 
vious to 1637, and shortly removed to Watertown, where the 
descendants of Joseph remained for the rest of the century or more. 
Some of them removed to Holliston in the same county, and were 
living till near the close of last century at Holliston, when one 
of the ancestors of the subject of this sketch settled in Barre. 

The family were bound by the ties of more than two hundred 
years to the institutions, the ideas, and the traditions of the 
Old Bay State ; and, when war came, one of its scions claimed a 
share in the honor and the peril of their defence. 

Adin Ballon Underwood was the first-born. Several brothers 
and sisters died in childhood ; and only he and two brothers sur- 
vived. He was kept constantly at school. One of his teachers 
was Mr. Train, afterward liis law-partner. At the age of fifteen, 
he was sent to the University Grammar School at Providence, 
R.I., to fit for college; and, at the age of seventeen, entered 
Brown University in that State, at the head of which then was 
the late Rev. Dr. F. Wayland. In 1849, he graduated among the 
first in his class. 

356 



GEN. UNDERWOOD AND THE TIIIRTY-THinD. 357 

After a year or more spent in the counting-room, and in travel 
in his own country, he entered upon the study of the law in the 
office of Hon. Charles R, Train of Framingham, then at Caml)ridge 
Law School, and in the office of Judge B. F. Thomas, then of 
Worcester. A year from August, 1852, to August, 1853, he spent 
abroad, the summer months at Heidelberg, the winter months at 
Berlin, where he attended lectures on jurisprudence by some of 
the distinguished German writers on that science, and learned 
the mysteries of " student life in Germany ; " making a pilgrim- 
age in the vacation to the classic shrine of the scholar, — Italy, 

Soon after his return, he was admitted to the bar in Worces- 
ter County, November, 1853. He began to practise in his native 
town : but he soon fell into the current that flows always towards 
the metropolis ; and in 1855 he removed to Boston, forming there 
a business connection with Mr. Train, his former schoolmaster 
and law instructor, which lasted till the one went to Congress, 
and the other into the army. He was successful in his profession, 
for a young man. 

The day after Fort Sumter was fired upon, he turned the key 
in his office-door, and never entered it again for a client. Mon- 
day, the 15th of April, George H. Gordon, afterwards colonel of 
the Second Massachusetts Infantry, told him that Gov. Andrew 
had just said to him, "After we get off these three-months' men, I 
will send you next with a regiment : " and Gordon added, " Under- 
wood, I shall rely upon you ; " and he did. The regiment, which 
was numbered the Second Massachusetts, vrent with Gordon as 
its colonel, and Underwood as one of its captains; the first regi- 
ment mustered into the service in the State for the war. Capt. 
Underwood raised a company in Boston, and, with three other 
companies, — those of Capts. Abbott, Coggswell, and Whitney, — 
was mustered into service. May 18, 1861, for three years, the re- 
maining six companies on the 23d of May following ; from which 
service Capt. Underwood was not discharged until as Brevet 
Major-General, Sept. 1, 1865, to accept a position in the civil ser- 
vice of the Government on that day, which he still holds as Sur- 
veyor of Customs at the Port of Boston. The Second Regiment 
went into the field July 8, 1861, and joined Gen. Patterson's 
column. 

In the march from Bunker Hill, Ya., to Charlestown, the Second 
Massachusetts formed part of the rear-guard ; and Capt. Under- 
wood's company was detailed to support Capt. Tompkin's Rhode- 
Island battery at the rear of the column. 



358 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was formed 
under the call for men which immediately followed Banks's re- 
treat. A. C. Maggi, who had been lieutenant-colonel of the Twen- 
ty-first Massachusetts, an Italian, educated as a soldier at home, 
one of Garibaldi's officers, was selected for its colonel ; and Capt. 
Underwood, its lieutenant-colonel. Capt. Bates, of the Twelfth 
Massachusetts, was appointed its major ; but he was soon made 
colonel of the Twelfth, and the regiment was left without a major. 
Orin Warren was regimental surgeon ; and William S. Brown, 
his assistant. The Tliirty-third had its pick of the recruits sent 
to the camp at Lynnfield, and left for Washington, Aug. 14. It 
remained encamped about Alexandria till the middle of October, 
constantly drilling, and making ready its men for the terrible 
struggles in store for it and for the whole army. At that time, it 
joined Gen. Sigel's Eleventh Corps, tlien lying at Fairfax Court 
House ; marched with him through the mud of a Virginia De- 
cember to Fredericksburg, where it arrived just as our army was 
coming back from that terrible slaughter ; lay with the Army of 
the Potomac in winter-quarters at Falmouth, in full view of the 
frowning heights which had repulsed our columns, and so near 
the rebel lines upon the other river-bank, that they often gathered 
to hear its band at the evening parade. This band, which 
became renowned in the army, was carefully selected and formed 
at the organization of the regiment, made up in part of the 
former band of the Twelfth, and led by Israel Smith of New 
Bedford. It was well known in Sherman's army, and was always 
called by that general, " My band." 

The Thirty-third, towards spring, was moved to near Stafford 
Court House ; from which it started with the rest of the corps, 
to the command of which Gen. Howard had now been assigned, 
to participate in the battle of Chancellorsville on the 2d and 8d 
of May. Col. Maggi had resigned, and Lieut.-Col. Underwood 
had been made colonel. This regiment, and the whole of Gen. 
Barlow's brigade, to which it belonged, were detached on the 
first of those days to the support of a division of the Third 
Corps, in another part of the field, and did not share in the dis- 
aster that befell the rest of the Eleventh Corps on that day, or 
the blame that, whether rightfully or wrongfully, attached to it 
for being crushed, and then panic-struck, by triple its numbers, 
that fell suddenly upon its flank and rear. 

At the great cavalry-fight at Beverly Ford, there were two 
brigades of infantry supports that contributed to the success of 



THE THIRTY-THIRD AT GETTYSBURG. 



359 



that day. Each corps of the Army of the Potomac furnished its 
- five hundred picked men, well disciplined, and commanded by 
competent and efficient officers," in the language of Gen. 
Hooker's order. In the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps Massa- 
chusetts was awarded the i^ost of honor under this call. The 
Second Massachusetts was selected, with its twin-regiment in 
service the Third Wisconsin, to make up the complement in the 
Twelfth Corps and from the Eleventh, Col. Underwood's regiment; 
each beino- the only Massachusetts regiments in their respective 
corps Side by side the two Massachusetts regiments fought in 
the skirmishes of that day, both regiments for the time being un- 
der the command of Col. Underwood, who once more led some 
of the men of his old company. When the fight was over, the 
Thirty-third formed the rear-guard across the Rappahannock. 

The night before that engagement, Capt. Dahlgrcn of the 
commanding general's staff", the dashing, heroic cavalry-officer 
who afterwards made the daring but ill-fated attempt to release 
our prisoners at Richmond, sat at one of the camp-fires of the 
Thirtv-third Regiment till midnight, longing for the fight that 
was to punish the rebel cavalry, and, as he and all supposed 
would be the result, to demolish its preparations for a geat raid 
into Pennsylvania. . 

Little did any one then think, severe as was the blow to their 
cavalry, that, within ten miles of that field, Lee's infantry were 
steadily marching all day, turning aside neither to the right nor 
to the left in their haste to carry war and desolation to the smilmg 

fields of the North. . , j i 

The two armies started on that day on their northward march, 
to meet at Gettysburg, in that turning-battle of the war. The 
Eleventh Corps held Cemetery Hill, the key of the position and 
nobly redeemed its name. The Thirty-third was selected at the 
request of Gen. Ames, who had it in his brigade at Beverly 
Ford, to support his batteries on the right centre of this hill ; and 
there it lay steadily under the terrific cannonade of the second day, 
and was in the struggle that beat back the rebel attack on he 
position the evening of that day. It suffered ^^s share of the 
OSS This was its closing record in the Army of the Potomac. 
The autumn-days found the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps march- 
in^, by the rapid railway trains through the peaceful cities and 
haWst-scenes of the North-west to the other theatre of war to 
help their Western comrades retrieve the discomfiture ot Chicka- 
Less than a week brought them to Bridgeport, Ala. 



mauga. 



360 MJSSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Gcii. Joe Hooker, " fighting Joe," led the cohimn which car- 
ried the discipline, the endurance, and the traditions of the Army 
of the Potomac, to combine with the spirit of an army that had 
never been beaten, to make up a corps that was to be famous 
in the army of Gen. Sherman. The Twentieth Corps left its 
traces behind it all the way from Bridgeport to Atlanta, and 
from Atlanta to the sea. 

This re-enforcement from the East found the army about Chat- 
tanooga starving. The rebels held Lookout Mountain, and its 
approaches on the south side of the Tennessee River, including 
the railroad. The line of communication on the north side of the 
river was circuitous, the roads in a terrible state from mud and 
other causes, and the army was on one-quarter rations. The mules 
and horses were dying from starvation : and a retreat would have 
left behind the artillery; for there were no horses to draw it away. 
One of tlie first orders of Gen. Grant, on being assigned to the 
command, was to Gen. Hooker to carry the enemy's position on 
the south side of the river, and open the railroad and lines of 
communication there. 

On the morning of the 27th of October, 1863, the Eleventh 
Corps, and Gerry's division of the Twelfth, started on the enter- 
prise, and, the first day, marched unmolested througli the Valley 
of the Raccoon Range ; the second day approaching Lookout, 
from whose bald, overhanging summit the rebels could watch and 
count even the line of Yankees threading their way along the 
defiles. Nothing occurred on the evening of that day but a skir- 
mish, in which the Thirty-third had one killed. Gen. Smith, from 
the Army of the Cumberland, had seized a tete de pout on the river, 
and joined Hooker's men ; and the success seemed complete. But 
not yet. At midnight, the camps were aroused by the long roll ; 
and, before an hour was over, the slumbering army at Chattanoo- 
ga heard such rattling of musketry as those hills never had 
echoed before. The enemy, under the cover of night, had ad- 
vanced upon a little chain of hills at the foot of tlie moun- 
tain, and intrenched themselves. It was necessary instantly 
to dislodge them, or the movement had failed. While Gen. 
Gerry was fighting at his end of the line, two small regiments 
were directed to storm the rebel position on the left, and did one 
of the most gallant things in the war. 

In the final charge, while the regiment was staggering under 
the terrible fire after it reached the crest, a young second lieu- 
tenant, A. G. Shepherd of Lynn, advanced before his company, 



THE rillRTY-TIIIRD AT LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. 361 

waved his sword, and cried, " Forward, men ! " and the men, though 
reeling under the shots, stimulated by the example, rushed 
triumphantly into the rifle-pits. 

We take a single extract from the correspondent of the " Bos-, 
ton Journal : " — 

The Thirty-third feel justly proud of this, their first "charge; " and it is 
pronounced by all a most daring and gallant feat. Gen. Hooker says "it 
is the greatest charge of the war, but no more than he expects of Massachu- 
setts troops." Made at midnight, up a steep and almost impassable mountain- 
side, it was indeed a brave and gallant act. Col. Underwood is dangerously 
wounded in the groin, and thigh-bone shattered : he is quite comfortable at 
present, and great hopes are entertained of his recovery. Adjutant W. P. 
Mudge, of Boston, was shot through the head, and killed instantly. Lieut. 
James Hill, of Danvers, was shot through the heart, and of course killed 
instantly. Lieut. Oswego Jones, of Fall River, was shot through the back ; 
spine broken : cannot recover. The other officers wounded are not considered 
dangerous, though more or less serious. 

The following is an extract from a congratulatory letter to a 
staff-ofRcer of Gen. Howard, from headquarters Army of the 
Cumberland : — 

Chattanooga, Oct. 29, 1863. 

Colonel, — Allow me to congratulate you upon the successful and gallant 
debut of our new compatriots from the Potomac Army in this department. 
From accounts received here, no more glorious a commencement of their 
career in this department could have been made than that of last night, in 
which the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts participated. . . . 
As a Massachusetts man, I feel very proud of the fresh laurels gained by your 
corps. 

Col. Underwood, of the Thirty-third Massachusetts, veiy severely wound- 
ed whUe gallantly conducting his regiment, is still lying in a house near the 
battle-ground. He was much gratified at this recognition of the services of his 
regiment, as well as the official order of Maioi--G-en. Thomas which came 
subsequently. You will have been informed of the heroic death of Adjutant 
Mudge before this reaches you : he was killed in the final triumphant charge 
of the Thirty-third. Col. Underwood speaks highly of his officers, but 
usually concludes every such remark by saying, " But, after all, the men de- 
serve the credit: they did it all. " The colonel is remarkably cheerful for 
one in his critical condition. Let Massachusetts, as heretofore, give all honor 
to those of her sons who are willing to suffer for the principles and the gov- 
ernment she has early taught them to value and love. 

We quote a passage from Col. Maggi's beautiful letter on the 
death of Adjutant Mudge : — 



362 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

When the country in clanger was asking for her sons to defend her, Wil- 
liam Prescott Mudge replied, " I am ready." Kind to his subordinates, 
obedient without servility to his superiors, full of enthusiasm, he was a 
model of the citizen soldier. He was known but to be beloved. Those who 
do not respect his memory are traitors or cowards. The cruel bullet of a 
deceived brother fighting against the liberty and glory of his country struck 
him when he was just sraihng at victory. He fell on a rose-bush. He never 
uttered a sigh. Flower dying upon another flower, his pure soul returned to 
his Creator like a perfume. His parents have lost a good son ; the gallant 
Thirty-third Reghnent Massachusetts Volunteers, an adjutant whom they can 
never replace ; the army, an officer who gave brilliant hopes ; and the country, a 
young hero. Let us bend our head before the will of God. Many others, 
but none worthier, and still many more inferior to him in rank and intentions, 
have had splendid funerals, or sleep under an unknown sod where friends can- 
not have the consolation of leaving a tear and a flower. 

Col. Underwood started up the hill with but seven companies, 
three having been sent on a secret expedition the evening before. 
The hill was very steep, covered with woods and underbrush, and 
almost inaccessible. The night was dark ; but this little band of 
Massachusetts men, almost alone, carried the rebel intrenchments, 
after two assaults with fixed bayonets, fighting some of the time 
hand-to-hand, and, before the supports were called into the* fight, 
drove a brigade of Longstreet's men, their old foes in the East, 
from the hill. It met with a fearful loss. Wrote the corre- 
spondent of the " Cincinnati Times," — 

The brave Col. Underwood, of the Thirty-third Massachusetts Regiment, 
was also wounded. This officer had passed through some of the hardest 
fights on the Potomac, to meet this hard fate on the banks of the Tennessee 
in a midnight fight. The conduct of the regiment was of the most praise- 
worthy character ; and they wavered not, though the guns of the enemy were 
making terrible havoc in their ranks. In fact, all the regiments engaged 
seemed determined to prove that not Western troops alone will fight in the 
West, but they who had met Longstreet's men in Virginia could cope with 
them in Tennessee. Gen Hooker, in his official report of the battle, says, 
" This skeleton but brave brigade (Col. Smith's) charged up the mountain, 
almost inaccessible by daylight, under a heavy fire, without returning it, and 
drove three times their number from behind the hastily thrown up intrench- 
ments, capturing prisoners, and scattering the enemy in all directions. No 
troops ever rendered more brilliant service. . . . Col Underwood, of the 
Thiity-third Massachusetts Volunteers, was also desperately wounded ; and for 
his recovery I am deeply concerned. If only in recognition for his merito- 
rious services on this field, his many martial virtues, and great personal worth, 
it would be a great satisfaction to me to have this officer advanced to the 
grade of brio;adier-general. " 



THE ADVANCE UPON ATLANTA. 363 

In accordance with this recommendation, he was soon made a 
brigadier-general. But his career in the field was ended. He 
was carried to Nashville, and afterwards home, where he under- 
went a long and tedious illness of a year and a half, six months 
of it continuously in bed, before he recovered sufficiently from 
the effects of the terrible wound to go upon court-martial 
duty at Washington in the summer of 1865, though then with 
impaired constitution, and permanently disabled. He was made 
president of a court-martial, and was at length assigned to the 
trial of Wirtz, but, before the trial began, was appointed surveyor 
of customs at Boston. He was brevettcd, and resigned his position 
in the army. 

Meanwhile, the Thirty-third Regiment had continued to share 
honorably in the victorious work of the Union army. 

Nov. 22, 1863, the Eleventh Corps marched to Chattanooga, 
and was present during the battle of the next three days. In the 
attack on Missionary Ridge, and in the pursuit of Gen. Bragg, 
the Thirty-third took an active part. 

This regiment then marched under Gen. Sherman to the relief 
of Knoxville ; but finding that Longstreet had been defeated, and 
had raised the siege, it returned to Chattanooga, and went into 
winter-quarters in Lookout Valley. 

In April, 1864, the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps were 
consolidated to form the Twentieth, and placed under command 
of Gen. Hooker. 

May 2, the grand advance of the army upon Atlanta com- 
menced. During this month, the Thirty-third was hotly engaged 
with the enemy at Mill-creek iGlap, Resaca, Cassville, and Dallas ; 
in each instance nobly and unflinchingly doing its whole duty, 
and losing heavily in killed and wounded. 

At Kenesaw Mountain, the cool behavior and gallantry of the 
regiment elicited the compliments of Gen. Howard and other 
general officers. 

Its hard figiiting in this campaign had now reduced it to the 
mere skeleton of a regiment; and on the 17th of July, by order 
of Gen. Hooker, it was detailed as division train-guard. While 
on this duty, the regiment took no active part in the siege of 
Atlanta. 

Sept. 5, it reported to Gen. Slocum, and was detailed to guard 
Confederate prisoners in Atlanta, and subsequently for duty with 
the provost-guard. 

The Second and Thirty-third Massachusetts, and the One Hun- 



364 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

dred and Eleventh Pennsylvania, under command of Col. W. 
Cog-gswell, remained in Atlanta a day after its evacuation, as 
provisional guard, to prevent the destruction or pillage of private 
property. 

Nov. 16, our troops left Atlanta, the Thirty-third in the rear, 
and the last regiment to leave the city. Nov. 2o, it arrived at 
Milledgeville, and joined the brigade. 

The march to Savannah was witliout incident worthy of record. 
The army reached the outposts of the enemy before that city, 
Dec, 20. The same night, the enemy evacuated the city, and the 
next day the army entered and took possession. 

During the entire campaign, the weather was warm and pleas- 
ant ; and, at the close of it, the Thirty -third was in a better condi- 
tion than when it left Atlanta. 

The middle of January, 1865, the regiment left camp at Cheves 
Farm, Beaufort District, S.C., and marched towards Hardeeville, 
and thence to Sisters' Ferry. Confronting the enemy at Lawton- 
ville, tlie march was continued to Augusta Railroad, which was 
destroyed ; and then across the Saluda and Waterce Rivers ; and, 
during March, the regiment moved about North Carolina, engaged 
in some severe skirmishing and fighting. 

On the 21th, it passed through Goldsborough, and was reviewed 
by Gen. Sherman ; after which it went into camp tlirce miles from 
the city. The amount of forage taken by the regiment was very 
large. 

April 9, the welcome order to march came, and the reveille 
sounded at three o'clock in the morning. The march was towards 
Raleigh. On the 11th, when passing through Smithfield, tlie glad 
tidings of Lee's surrender were hailed by shouts of delight ; and 
on the 17th, while in camp at Raleigh, the news of Johnson's 
capitulation raised another joyful hurrah. 

This was soon followed by the intelligence that the terms of the 
surrender were not accepted, and the order for the troops to push 
forward after him ; only to hear, a little later, of a hual adjustment 
of hostilities. 

April 30, the regiment started for Washington, encamping 
May 9 near Richmond ; and was mustered out of service June 11, 
1865. Upon its arrival at Boston on the 13th, Mayor Lincoln 
extended in behalf of the city a fitting welcome, including a col- 
lation at Faneuil Hall. The troops went to Readville, where they 
had the final settlement and discharge July 2, 1865. 



THE THIRTY-FOURTH AT HARPER'S FERRY. 365 



THE THIRTY- FOURTH REGIMENT 

Was recruited mainly in AVorcester County. Left the State with 
full ranks, Aug. 15, 1862, under command of Col. George D. 
Wells, one of the best and bravest officers in the service, and who 
fell in the Shenandoah Valley at the head of his brigade. 
Other field and staff officers were, — 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... William S. Lincoln. 

Major . ... . . . Henry Bowman. 

Surgeon Rowse R. Clark. 

Asshtant Surgeon . . • • Cyrus B. Smith. 

Chaplain . . . . . • Edward B. Fairchild. 

Having reached Washington, the regiment was ordered to Camp 
Casey, on Arlington Heights. While here. Major Bowman was 
promoted to the colonelcy of the Thirty-sixth Massachusetts 
Lifantry. 

The Thirty-fourth having been assigned to Gen. Banks's corps, 
on the 22d of August it marched to Alexandria, and reported to 
the quartermaster's department for transportation to the field. It 
then moved out of the city about two miles, where it remained 
until the entire army of Gen. Pope, in its retreat from Manassas, 
had completed its change of front. Being then in the extreme 
advance of the Federal forces, the regiment threw out pickets, and 
also furnished a provost-guard for Alexandria. 

Sept. 12, it was ordered to report to Gen. Grover. It then 
marched to Fairfax Seminary, and encamped there, together with 
the Thirty-third Massachusetts, Eleventh New-Jersey, and One 
Hundred and Twentieth New- York, under command of Col. 
Wells, senior colonel. On the 15th, the regiment removed to 
Fort Lyon, constituting a part of the regular garrison ; Col. 
Wells being in command of the fort and all its defences. Here 
it remained until May, 1863, when it was ordered to Upton Hill. 
On the 2d of June, the regiment was relieved by the third brigade 
Pennsylvania reserve corps, and ordered to report to Gen.. Martiu- 
dalc at Washington. 

Col. Wells having been assigned to the command of the first 
brigade, Naglee's division, with the Thirty-fourth, crossed the 
Potomac hi boats, and took possession of Harper's Ferry, cap- 
turing several rebel prisoners. The regiment was employed there 
and at Bolivar for some time on picket and patrol duty. 



366 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

On the 18tli of October, Gen. Imboden surprised a part of Col. 
Wells's forces at Charlestown, and captured a number of them. 
Col. Wells immediately started out with the Thirty-fourth, a bat- 
tery of light artillery, and a body of cavalry. He drove the ene- 
my's forces for about ten miles ; when, at dark, he was recalled by 
orders from division headquarters. 

Col. Wells's force numbered seven hundred men ; Gen. Imbo- 
den's, about fifteen hundred ; and his loss was sixty-nine in killed 
and wounded, and twenty-one prisoners. 

The enemy did not again come down the valley ; and the regi- 
ment was employed as before until the 10th of December, when 
it started with the first brigade on the valley expedition, co-operat- 
ing with the movements of Averill and Scammon in the success- 
ful raid on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. 

The part assigned to Col. Wells's brigade was to move up the 
valley by prescribed marches as far as Harrisonburg, threatening 
Staunton, and creating a diversion in favor of Averill by occupying 
the attention of the enemy. 

The weather was quite severe, — cold, rainy, and snowy. At 
Harrisonburg, it was found that a large force under Gen. Early 
was in the immediate front, and that Rosseau's brigade was at- 
tempting to cut off a retreat. The force, numbering about four- 
teen hundred men, was nearly surrounded by six or seven 
thousand of the enemy. It being learned that Gen. Averill had 
accomplished his part of the plan, and returned. Col. Wells had 
recourse to strategy to get out of the trap. 

By starting the infantry oif after dark, and marching all night, 
leaving large fires and an extended front of cavalry, the enemy 
were kept back several hours ; and, when they ascertained that the 
column had escaped them, they were unable to overtake it. 

The infantry marched from Harrisonburg to Harper's Ferry (a 
hundred miles) in less than four days, despite the long marches 
of the previous week ; and reached camp in good spirits, without 
a straggler, on the afternoon of Dec. 24, having fully accomplished 
the object of the expedition, and without the loss of a man, bring- 
ing in about a hundred prisoners, many of them with horses, 
arms, and equipments. The endurance and good conduct of the 
regiment received the hearty praise and thanks of the division 
and department commanders. 

The evening of Dec. 24 found the regiment safe in its old 
quarters at Harper's Ferry, It was employed at different points 
in the neighborhood until April 29, 1864, when it left Martins- 



THE FIGHT AT FISHER'S HILL. 367 

burg with the force under Gen. Sigel. Having advanced as far 
as New Market, Va., May 14, they found the cavah-y engaged with 
the enemy. 

Tiie next day, an action took place, in which the Thirty-fourth 
was conspicuous for its skill and valor, losing one officer and 
twenty-seven men killed, and eight officers and a hundred and 
sixty-six men wounded. 

At Strasburg, Gen. Hunter took command ; and preparations 
were made for another move up the valley. 

The troops reached Harrisonburg on the 2d of June, and on the 
5th the action at Piedmont took place. The rebels, behind their rail 
breastworks, made a stubborn resistance. The brigade charged 
up to within twenty yards of the breastworks, and then stopped. 
For several minutes, the roar of the musketry was terrific. The 
enemy attempted to turn the left of the brigade, and threw a 
heavy force upon the flank. It was a critical time. Had the left 
given way, the day might have had another issue. The attack was 
repulsed, and the regiment charged in turn, driving the rebels in 
the greatest confusion. On the right, the firing was so severe as to 
compel the rebels to keep below their rail barricades. Gen. Hun- 
ter's forces captured a thousand uninjured men lying close behind 
their breastworks, with a loss on their own part of fifteen killed 
and ninety wounded. 

June 9, the Thirty-fourth was transferred to Col. Wells's bri- 
gade. On the 17th, marched near to Lynchburg, and lay in line 
of battle all night. On the 18th, was engaged all day with the 
enemy. From this date up to the 1st of September,' the record 
of the regiment is one of daily marches, and very frequent skir- 
mishes with the enemy ; the men often suffering from hunger. 
The Thirty-fourth left Summit Point on the 19th of September, 
and marched towards the crossing of the Opcquan by the Berry- 
ville Road, where it found the Sixth and the Nineteenth Corps 
heavily engaged with the enemy. The fighting here was severe. 
The Federal troops were formed for the final cliarge in three lines 
of battle, crescent-shaped. They moved over an open field to the 
attack in beautiful order, with banners flying, pouring into the 
already disordered mass of the enemy a rapid and concentric fire. 
As his ranks broke, two divisions of cavalry, with flashing sabres 
and loud yells, charged among them, then, wheeling, charged 
back, driving fifteen hundred into the Federal lines. The fight 
was over; but the pursuit was kept up all night, the rebels being 
chased to Fisher's Hill. 



368 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Of the battle at this point an officer says, — 

Before daylight on the 22d, our corps was moved round to the right of our 
lines. We passed up the side of the North Mountain until we had got in the 
rear of the enemy's lines, when, with fixed bayonets and fierce yells, we 
charged down the mountain-side, firing as we advanced. Had the heavens 
themselves opened, and we been seen descending from them, the surprise and 
consternation of the rebels could not have been greater. We charged over 
their works, capturing two guns, a large amount of fixed ammunition, apd some 
prisoners. All organization being lost in this wild pursuit, every man fought 
for himself, and in his own manner. One desperate attempt only was made 
by the enemy to check our advance ; but, in the wild frenzy of battle, we swept 
every thing before us : for over four miles we charged along their works, turn- 
ing the enemy out as the plough turns the furrow. 

The battle ended at dark ; but the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps, not having 
been heavily engaged, kept up the pursuit all night, driving the enemy be- 
yond Mount Jackson. Thus ended the fight of Fisher's Hill, to which the 
history of this war furnishes nothing approaching a parallel ; less than five 
thousand men of Crook's command, with the thii-d division of the Sixth Corps, 
routing an army of over twenty thousand, and driving them from a position 
which they boasted they could hold against a hundred thousand. Our 
regiment took two guns and seven caissons. Our loss was nineteen men 
wounded. 

Oct. 7, the Federal forces crossed Cedar Creek, taking a position 
commanding the ford. Suddenly, on the 13th, the enemy opened 
fire upon the Union camp. The first and third brigades were 
ordered to advance to discover the force of the enemy. In the 
action that followed, the brave Col. Wells was killed. We extract 
the following from the Adjutant's-General's report : — 

The third brigade, which advanced on the right of the pike, had received 
orders to retire : similar orders had been sent to us, but never reached us. 
We were not in a position where we could see the movements of the other 
brigade. The enemy suddenly threw a heavy force upon our flank and rear. 
The four right companies were swung back to check this movement. The 
men, executing this movement under a severe fire, were as cool as on drill. 
Col. Wells went to the right to see how this movement of the army could 
have taken place : while returning, and just behind our colors, he was struck 
by a ball. He threw up his hands, uttering an exclamation as of great pain. I 
immediately sent an officer to help him from his horse. He would not be car- 
ried to the rear; saying, " Gentlemen, it is of no use : save yourselves."' We 
could not maintain this unequal contest, and the order was given to retire ; 
and our brave colonel was left to die in the enemy's hands. He was taken 
to Strasburg, where, the same evening, he died. His body was recovered the 



THE THIRTY-FOURTH AT PETERSBURG. 369 

next day, and sent home. Thus gallantly fell one of the ablest officers in the 
service, at a time when the honors he had so long deserved were about to be 
conferred on him. His name and record will not be forgotten when Massa- 
chusetts shall have occasion to recount her costly sacrifice and the deeds of 
her brave sons. 

On the 11th, the Thirty-fourth was again engaged with the ene- 
my, and narrowly escaped capture by a division of the enemy 
which had come up in its rear. On the 19th, the regiment was 
ordered to Newtown, Va., to guard the hospital, resting there for 
a while after a campaign of severe hardships and unsurpassed 
brilliancy. Its colonel, major, two captains, three lieutenants, and 
seventy-three men, had met a soldier's death upon the battle- 
field. 

The monotony of camp-life was, however, broken up by the 
receipt of marching orders, Dec. 18. The next day, the regiment 
set out for Washington, and from there embarked on board a 
steamer ; and on the 25th reached Aiken's Landing, on the 
James River. It was here assigned to the Army of the James, 
as part of independent division. Twenty-fourth Corps, and pitched 
its camp on the extreme right of the line. 

March 25, the regiment broke camp : on the 30th, crossed 
Hatcher's Run, and next day engaged in skirmishing with the 
enemy. 

April 1, the regiment repulsed a sharp attack on its lines by 
the enemy. Next morning, it moved along the line six miles 
towards Petersburg. Here a temporary halt was ordered. We 
quote from Col. William T. Lincoln's report : — 

"Attention!" was soon called; our ranks were dressed; and, through 
the din of the opening battle, we marched to our work. Our brigade — the 
third — and one lirigade of the first division were ordered to assault Battery 
Gregg, an advanced rebel fort which commanded their line directly in front of 
Petersburg. At the order, the line advanced steadily under a terrific fire 
of musketry and artillery. When within about a hundred yards of the fort, 
an order was given for the men to lie down ; and crawling upon their hands 
and knees, through the storm of grape and canister hurled against our ranks, 
the advance continued. At a signal, our men regained their feet, and with a 
rush the obstructions were passed, and the ditch gained. The water was 
waist-deep, and for a moment we were apparently foiled. The stars and 
stripes were planted almost side by side of the rebel rag. The fort was held 
with all the energy of despairing men ; and the rebel shouts of " Never sur- 
render ! never surrender ! " were distinctly heard above the roar of conflict. 
47 



370 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

For twenty-seven minutes, our men hung upon the works. To advance seemed 
impossible; retreat was equally so. One more rush, and with a deafening 
cheer the parapet was gained ; and, after a short hand-to-hand struggle, the fort 
and its garrison were captured. Not a man escaped. Capt. Goodrich of the 
Thirty-fourth, with a few men, turned the captured guns upon the nearest 
fort, and returned them their own shells. Our loss was slight when the 
length of time, and severity of the engagement, is considered ; being four 
killed and thirty-six wounded. Arms were now stacked, intrenchments 
thrown up, and we held what we had gained. 

April 3, the regiment joined in the pursuit of the rebels, now 
in full retreat. On the morning of the 9th, encountered the 
enemy under Gen. Gordon, who were endeavoring to gain the 
Lynchburg Railroad ; and compelled them to fall back on their 
main line. In the afternoon, intelligence of Gen. Lee's surrender 
was received. On the 12th, the regiment broke camp, and started 
for Richmond, and on the 25th, passing through the city to the 
north side, encamped. 

On the 16th of June, such of the original members of the 
Thirty-fourth as were present with the command were mustered 
out of the service of the United States, and, at early dawn next 
day, took up their line of march for home. The men were hospita- 
bly entertained at Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. Arriv- 
ing at Readville, Mass., the public property, without delay, was 
turned over to Government officers ; and on the 6th of July, hav- 
ing completed within twenty-five days the period of their enlist- 
ment, the men received their final pay and discharge. 

THIRTY- FIFTH REGIMENT. 

This regiment was mustered into the service of the United 
States at Camp Stanton, Lynnfield, Aug. 21, 1862 ; and left the 
State for the seat of war, Aug. 22, imder the command of Col. 
Edward A. Wild. The regiment was especially fortunate in its 
ofiicers, both field and staff. 

These were as follow : — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain . 



Edward A. Wild. 
Sumner Carnith. 
Sidney Willard. 
Francis jM. Lincoln. 
George N. Munsell. 
Henry F. H. Miller. 



THE BATTLE AT SOUTH MOUjYTAIN. 371 

111 his report of this regiment for the year 18G2, Col. Wild 
says that it left the State very imperfectly fitted out, owing 
to the urgency of the demand for fresh troops at Washington. It 
was armed with Enfield rifles of a very poor quality, and danger- 
ous to handle. 

Arriving at Washington Aug. 24, the fegiment, by order of 
Brig.-Gen. Casey, crossed the Potomac, and encamped beyond 
Arlington Heights. Aug. 30 it was assigned to the command of 
Brig.-Gen. Van Volkenberg, and Sept, 6 it was transferred to 
that of Major-Gen. Burnside, and by him assigned to the brigade 
of Gen. Ferrero in connection with the Twenty-first Massachu- 
setts. Continued short marches and bivouacs until the battle at 
South Mountain, Sept. 14. Col. Wild writes. — 

We entered the fight at about half-past four, p.m. It lasted till after 
dark. Were first ordered to clear the rebel sharpshooters from an extensive 
tract of forest, and a very rough ground indeed. This was done. After- 
wards resisted an unexpected attack upon the position held by our brigade, 
made suddenly in the dusk. At that time I received a wound — losing the 
left arm at the shoulder — from which I am still suffering. The remainder, 
therefore, of this account must of necessity be incomplete. In this battle, the 
first ordeal of the Thirty-fifth, their behavior was excellent. Considering 
their total inexperience, their very brief period of mutual acquaintance, the 
nature of the battle-ground, their want of confidence in their weapons, and 
especially their utter want of drill, it was very remarkable that they should 
have held together so well as they did. The lack of drill was severely felt, 
as we had had no opportunity at all for battalion drill, and that of companies 
had been quite limited. They were ready to do any thing they were ordered, if 
they only knew how to do it. 

Sept. 17 came the battle of Antietam. Here the regiment bore a conspicu- 
ous part. They entered the fight under Lieut. -Col. Sumner Carruth, who was 
soon shot through the neck, and obliged to retire. The major being absent 
upon special duty, the command devolved upon Capt. William S. King, of 
Company K, who nobly sustained his part, until seven wounds forced him also 
to withdraw, which he did, bearing off the colors to a place of safety; for by 
that time the whole color-guard were disabled. At the decisive moment of this 
great battle, it became necessary to take and hold the bridge over Antietam 
Creek and its approaches. Our regiment supported the Fifty-first New- York ; 
made a charge over the bridge ; drove the enemy from the top of the first rising 
ground, and likewise from the second, never stopping till themselves occupied 
the crest of the second hill, — which position they held for some time, though 
subjected to slaughtering cross-fires, with a steadiness that veterans might be 
proud of, until ordered to retire a little to a more sheltered spot. Their 
behavior was admirable throughout. 



372 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

In the two battles, South-Mountain and Antietara, our loss was severe. We 
had two captains killed (Bartlett of Newburyport, and Niles of Randolph), 
and four wounded; of lieutenants, one killed (Williams of Salem), and ten 
wounded ; of enlisted men, two hundred and fifty killed and wounded. Thus, 
of those present, we had two-thirds of the officers, and very nearly one-thud 
of the men, disabled. 

After encaifiping for some weeks at Pleasant Valley, on the Upper Potomac, 
the whole army of M'Clellan crossed at and near Harper's Ferry, and marched 
southward into Virginia, our regiment among the rest taking their share of 
the fatigues and dangers. On Burnside taking the chief command, the route 
was changed for an easterly one. 

Nov. 15, we were on the Upper Rappahannock. Lieut. -Col. Carruth, who 
had then recovered from his wound and resumed command of the regiment, 
crossed the river, taking with him the adjutant, Nathaniel Wales, for the pur- 
pose of visiting our wagons, engaged in taking in forage. On the way back, they 
stopped at a house to take dinner, when they were surprised and captured by 
a party of rebels, who had been lying in ambush in the hope of cutting off 
our wagons. 

Major Sidney Willard then took command ; and some days after, while on 
the march, our regiment in the rear was guarding the wagon-train, when they 
were attacked by a strong force of rebels with artillery, who evidently hoped 
to cut off the supply-train. We held our ground, protected the wagons, and 
ultimately drove off the enemy. In this affair, the Thirty-fifth Regiment, who 
bore the brunt, were under artillery-fire nearly four hours, and again behaved 
well, both officers and men. This being the major's first experience in 
action, his conduct was highly creditable, both for coolness and for good 
management. 

Dec. 13 occurred the great battle at Fredericksburg. On this bloody day, 
our regiment fully acted up to its high reputation so early acquired. They 
were among the most advanced troops in position, and exposed to a deadly fire 
at short range ; yet they held their ground after their ammunition was all ex- 
pended, and did not retreat until their whole brigade was relieved by fresh 
troops, when they retired in good order, under the lead of Capt. Andrews of 
Company A ; Major Sidney Willard having been mortally wounded during 
the heat of the conflict, while cheering on the men with the utmost gallantry. 
Lieut. Hill of Dedham was also killed while at the head of Company K. 
Our loss in killed and wounded was about sixty. 

On the withdrawal of the whole army across the Rappahannock, the Thirty- 
fifth was the last regiment but one to leave Fredericksburg. 

The regiment remained encamped at Falmouth until Feb. 9, 
when it was ordered to report at Newport News, which it 
reached on the 14th, and encamped. While here, Lieut.-Col. 
Carruth and Adjutant Wales, having been exchanged, returned 
to the reo-iment. 



THE TIIIRTT-FIFTU AT VICKSBURG. 373 

March 26, leaving Newport News, the regiment proceeded to 
Kentucky, via Baltimore, Pittsburg, and Cincinnati, and, on tlie 
4th of April, encamped near Mount Sterling. About this time, 
Lieut.-Col. Carruth was promoted to the colonelcy, Col. Wild 
having been appointed brigadier-general. 

The regiment was employed in this State in various duties until 
the 3d of June, when it proceeded under orders to Vicksburg, via 
Cairo and the Mississippi River. From Vicksburg it advanced 
on board transports up the Yazoo River to Haino's Bluff, where 
it disembarked, and encamped at Milldale, Miss., four miles 
distant. 

On the 29th, the Thirty-fifth resumed its march. On the 6th 
of July, crossed the Black River ; and on the 10th, in line of 
battle, became engaged as support of the Second Michigan, who 
were skirmishing. It was similarly engaged on the 12th and 13th, 
and, on the 14th, fell back to the extreme rear, to allow the men, 
who were much exhausted, to rest. 

On the 16th, the Thirty-fifth was again engaged as skirmishers 
or supports until it entered Jackson, the capital ; it being the first 
regiment to plant its colors inside the fortifications of that city. 
During these six days of skirmishing, the regiment took about a 
hundred and fifty prisoners. 

On the 23d, it again reached the camp at Milldale, terminating 
as tedious a march as ever regiment participated in. 

Aug. 6, embarking on board a transport, the Thirty-fifth re- 
turned to Covington, Ky., having been absent two months. Leav- 
ing here Aug. 18, the regiment was almost continually on the 
move until it reached Knoxville, Tenn., Oct. 19. From tliis date 
until the close of the year, it was actively engaged in field-duty in 
Knoxville and vicinity. 

In concluding his report of this regiment for the year 1863, 
the officer records, — 

Our experience during the past year has partaken largely of danger and 
trial. Though our number is decimated by contact with the enemy and dis- 
ease, yet the remnant is in excellent spirits, able and willing to do a soldier's 
duty. It has been our fortune to face the enemy often, and as often has he 
felt our presence. The honor of Massachusetts is before us, and shall remain 
unsullied by any act of ours. Fully awake to the exigency for which we peril 
our lives, we press onward, always hoping for a speedy consummation of our 
object. 

It has been our great misfortune to lose efficient and valuable officers. Our 
colonel, who commanded universal respect, fell under the severe ordeal of the 



374 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Mississippi campaign ; others, by unremitting service, sharing every duty, have 
been obliged to succumb. A few remain, whose iron constitutions seem proof 
against vicissitude. Retrospection brings its pleasant as well as disagreeable 
phases : short rations, long marches, sleepless nights, are, as it were, momen- 
tary pains. IMany pleasant associations are often formed, which may last long 
after trials shall be forgotten. 

Early in 1864, the Thirty-fifth, with other regiments was 
ordered from Tennessee to the Army of the Potomac. 

March 21, the army corps left Knoxville, and arrived at 
Annapolis, Md., April 7. The Thirty-fifth was now made a part 
of the first brigade, first division. Ninth Corps; and on the 
29th, after a laborious march via Washington and Warrenton 
Junction, it went into camp at Bealton Station, relieving a force 
of the Fifth Corps. Detached to guard the wagon-train of the 
division, the Thirty-fifth began its march from Bealton Station 
May 4 ; on the 5th, forded the Rapidan ; and, on the 6th, was at 
the battle of the Wilderness. Says one of its officers, — 

This march, ending May 15 at the heights behind Fredericksburg, the 
very ground we had contended for in 1862, and giving us opportunity to re- 
visit the historic fields of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville after having 
been favored spectators of the second day's fight at the Wilderness, and ob- 
servers of what transpu-ed in the rear at the great battle of Spottsylvauia, 
was perhaps the most instructive performed by us up to that time. 

On the 17th, the regiment rejoined the brigade, and, next day, 
participated in the second battle of Spottsylvania. It was also 
engaged in several of the succeeding battles of this campaign ; 
e.g.. North Anna, Shady Grove, Bethesda Church, and Cold 
Harbor. Crossed the James River June 15, and marched for 
Petersburg. 

From June 21 to Aug. 15, encamped in the woods before 
Petersburg, within easy rifle-range of the enemy's works. Late 
in the evening of Aug. 15, the regiment, with the division under 
Gen. Julius White on the 19th, moved to the support of Gen. 
Warren on the Weldon Railroad. It here became engaged with 
the enemy just as the connection with Warren was effected. 

The operations at the Weldon Railroad occurred near the end 
of a drenching rain-storm, which converted roads into sloughs, 
level fields into beds of soft mud, and wooded ravines into wet 
swamps. The rations (issued four days in advance) with which 
the men's haversacks were stuffed, were, in many instances, lost iu 



THE BATTLE OF FORT STEDMAN. 375 

the bushes, or ruined by mud and water. The fighting was very 
severe, but the result most satisfactory. A sketch like this sug- 
gests no conception of the discomforts and straits of such an 
expedition, unless to one who can summon his experience to the 
aid of his imagination. 

Sept. 2, the first division having been broken up, the Thirty- 
fifth Regiment was assigned to the first brigade (Col. Curtin's), 
second division. About three hundred and seventy foreign sub- 
stitutes, with a few American recruits, were now added to the 
regiment ; so that it turned out more muskets than at any time 
since the battle at Autietam. On the 30th of September, at 
Poplar-spring Church, the division was suddenly attacked upon 
the right and rear, and driven from the field, the Thirty-fifth losing 
about a hundred and fifty prisoners. 

Oct. 27, the regiment took part in the Hatcher-run recon- 
noissance, and, on the 28th, returned to Church Road. Nov. 27, 
the regiment encamped as support one-fourth of a mile in 
rear of Fort Sedgewick, within range of the enemy's picket- 
fire. Here a log-house camp was built under direction of the 
colonel ; and the men were better housed than at any time pre- 
vious during the service. 

March 7, 1865, the Thirty-fifth changed camp, relieving the 
Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, of the same brigade, in the right and 
more exposed section of Fort Sedgewick. On the 25th of March 
occurred the battle of Fort Stedman, a mile to the right. This 
was followed by a constant round of shelling, standing to arms, 
and turning out at midnight prepared to move ; very fatiguing, 
and costing the regiment some lives. 

April 2, at gray dawn, in a thick haze, all the troops of the 
Ninth Corps, excepting the garrisons of the forts, were led to the 
assault of Fort Mahone, and the hostile lines to the right and left 
of the Jerusalem Plank-road. The assault was successful: a 
portion of the enemy's works was captured and held. Artillery- 
men from Fort Sedgewick dashed into a captured fort with their 
accoutrements and primers ; and Col. Carruth immediately put 
his whole regiment to carrying ammunition for the battery and 
the infantry, which several of the company officers saw delivered 
at the new line. The men traversed the field several times 
while the contest still raged. Their bearing was witnessed by 
several officers who were impartial observers of the scene, and 
completely dispelled all doubts as to the courage and discipline 
of the foreigners. During the night, Petersburg was evacuated. 



376 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.' 

April 3, the Thirty-fifth marched with the brigade through Pe- 
tersburg, band playing and colors flying. From the 4th to the 
10th, the regiment was on the march to Farmville, when it re- 
ceived the news of Lee's surrender. It left for Washington on 
the 20th, and on the 23d, with the Army of the Potomac, passed 
in review before the President. 

By orders from headquarters, foreigners and others whose 
terms of service would not expire before Oct. 1, 1865, were 
by their consent transferred with eleven officers to the Twenty- 
ninth Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers, June 9. The remain- 
der of the Thirty-fifth was mustered the same day for discharge. 
It left Washington for home on the 10th, was handsomely 
greeted and entertained at Providence on the 13th, and reached 
Readville, Mass., the same day, where the regiment staid until 
the 27th, when the men received their certificates of discharge. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



THIRTY- SIXTH, THIRTY- SEVENTH, AND THIRTY-EIGHTH 

REGIMENTS. 

The Thirty-sixth recruited in Worcester County. — In Virginia. — Ordered to the South- 
west. — Movements in Kentucky and Tennessee. — In the Potomac Army. — The 
Return to Massachusetts. — The Thirty-seventh a Berkshire Regiment. —Marches to 
Virginia. — Efficient Services on the " Sacred Soil." — Gettysburg. — Petersburg. — 
Home. — Thirty-eighth Regiment leaves Lynnfield for Baltimore. — Changes in Com- 
mand.— Sails for New Orleans. — Port Hudson. — Death of Col. Redman. — Back to 
Virginia again. — Closing Scenes of Conflict. — Mustered out. 



THE THIRTY- SIXTH REGIMENT 



w 



AS recruited in Worcester County ; and left the State 
Sept. 2, 1862, under command of Col. Henry Bowman. 



Lieutenant - Colonel 

Major 

Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 

Chaplain 



John B. Norton. 
James H. Barker. 
James B. Prince. 

Thomas C. Lawton. 
Charles T. Cantield. 



Up to Oct. 29, the Thirty-sixth had not been engaged in any 
battle. On that day it left Lovettsville, Va., with the Army of the 
Potomac, and marched to Falmouth, arriving there on the 19th 
of November. One week of this time it was at Carter Bend. The 
supply-train having been cut off, two ears of corn per man was 
the daily portion received. 

The regiment remained in Falmouth on picket-duty until the 
12th of December, when it crossed the river. It was held in 
reserve on the bank of the river during the battle, and lost but 
two men, wounded by a shell. It recrossed on the 15th, and re- 
mained in Falmouth until Feb. 10, when it left for Newport 
News, where the Ninth Corps was encamped. At the end of six 
weeks, the first division, to which the Thirty-sixth belonged, was 
ordered West. It proceeded to Lexington via Baltimore, Parkers- 
burg, and Cincinnati ; and reached its destination March 29. 



.377 



378 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. * 

After one week in camp here, by special order of Gen. Burn- 
side the regiment went to Cinciimati to guard the polls during 
the election of mayor. The regiment was then sent to Camp Dick 
Robinson, thirty miles from Lexington. For several weeks, the 
regiment was marching and camping at different points ; nothing 
of interest transpiring, except the occasional pursuit of guerillas. 

On the 1st of June, Col. Bowman was assigned to the command 
of a brigade, consisting of the Thirty-sixth Massachusetts, Forty- 
fifth Pennsylvania, and Seventeenth and Twenty-seventh Michigan. 
On the 4th he received orders to march, and on the 7th embarked 
at Cairo for Vicksburg; arriving at Snyder's Bluff, on the Yazoo, 
June 17. 

The campaign in Mississippi is officially described as follows : — 

The Ninth Corps took up a position near 3Iillclale, ten miles in the rear of 
Vicksburg, in order to prevent Johnston from raising the siege. 

Vicksburg fell July 4 ; and on the 5th we moved upon Johnston, who re- 
treated to Jackson. The night of the 10th, we came up with his outposts, 
near Jackson, after marching sixty miles under a burning sun. The morning 
of the 11th, the first brigade advanced on the enemy. The Forty-fifth Penn- 
sylvania, and Companies A and F of the Thu-ty-sixth Massachusetts, being 
deployed as skirmishers in advance, drove him to his rifle-pits. Company F 
lost two men killed and six wounded. Occupied a position within range of the 
enemy till the 17th, losing iive more men wounded ; when the enemy evacuated 
Jackson. At noon of that day, the first division marched toward Canton, on 
the Mississippi Central Roads ; where we arrived the night of the 18th, and 
tore up five miles of railroad track. Then marched back to Snyder's Bluff, 
about seventy miles, where we arrived the 23d. 

This march was shamefully managed, and fatal in its consequences to 
many of our men. Without rations, under a Mississippi sun, they marched 
till some dropped dead in the ranks, and nearly all fell out exhausted. Ar- 
rived at Milldale, nearly half the first division went into hospital. July 27, 
Col. Bowman was discharged, and, the 30th, Lieut. -Col. Norton. The 5th 
of August, under command of Major Groodell, the regiment embarked on the 
'.' Hiawatha " for Cairo. 

The brigade arrived at Cincinnati on the 12th, crossed over to 
Covington, Ky., and went into barracks. As the effects of this 
Mississippi campaign, the regiment lost fifty men by death, and 
twice that number by discharge. 

When, on the 10th of September, the Thirty-sixth left Kentucky 
for Tennessee, it numbered a hundred and ninety-eight guns out 
of nearly eight hundred enlisted men. On the 22d of Septem- 
ber, the regiment had advanced as far as Morristown, Tenn. 



THE THIRTY-SIXTH AT HOUGH'S FERRY. 



379 



Thence it went to Knoxville, where it remained in camp until 
the 3d of October, when it was ordered to meet tlie rebels advan- 
cino- from Virginia under Gen. Jones, who were fought and de- 
feat^ed on the 10th, at Blue Springs. On the 11th, our troops 
pursued them twenty miles, and took many prisoners. After five 
days' rest, the regiment marched south thirty miles, where the 
rebels were threatening an attack. Here it went into camp ; and, 
while preparing for winter-quarters, it received orders to move, as 
Longstreet was approaching. 

The regiment marched to Hough's Ferry, where the rebels were 
crossing. Their skirmishers were driven in ; but, learning that 
anothe? force was crossing at Kingston, it fell back to Lenoir's 
the next morning. Col. Morrisou's brigade, to which it was 
attached, consisting of the Thirty-sixth Massachusetts, Forty- 
fifth Pennsylvania, Eighth Michigan, and Scventy-nmth New- 
York, was sent out on the Kingston Road to prevent the advance 
of the enemy from that direction. The Thirty-sixth was the 
regiment farthest advanced, and at dark the rebel advance was 
in'plain sight. We remained in line all night : the other troops 
were withdrawn. Three times the enemy advanced, probably to 
ascertain if we were still there ; and as many times he received 
sufficient proof that we were, and fell back, xibout four o'clock 
on the morning of the 15th, orders were received to withdraw 
the regiment, which was done with the loss of only one man. 
Finding the remainder of the troops en route for Knoxville, we 
fell into our place, and moved in that direction. Nine miles from 
Lenoir's, near Campbell's Station, another road from Kingston 
intersects the one from Loudon to Knoxville. Here the enemy 
commenced an attack on the left and rear of our column. The 
first brigade, having passed this place, formed line, facing the rear, 
• and advanced on the enemy. As they .were advancing in force 
throuoh a wood on our left, we executed a left half-wheel, formed 
line against a fence, and, after half an hour's sharp firing, repulsed 
them. Just as we did so, a force appeared in our rear. We faced 
about, gave a volley which scattered it, and marched back a 
quarter of a mile to where our batteries were in position, and sup- 
ported Benjamin's and Roemer's batteries until dark. At that 
time, the enemy being repulsed, we again marched towards Knox- 
ville^ which we reached about three o'clock next morning. 

The brigade occupied Fort Sanders, and the line on the east of 
it to the iTver, during the siege. All this while, the men suffered 
much from cold, hunger, want of clothing and of sleep. 



380 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The official report says, — 

Quarter-rations only were issued. Many lacked blankets and shoes, and 
nearly all overcoats ; and one-third, and sometimes one-half, of the men were 
kept awake at night. The morning of the 7 th, we moved in pursuit of the 
rebels. Followed them to Eutledge, thirty miles, and remained there till the 
15th, when Longstreet was reported to be strongly re-enforced, and advancing 
in this direction. We fell back to this place (Blane's Cross-roads), and 
awaited his attack ; but he has again fallen back. A sergeant and ten men 
were sent out to a mill while we were at Rutledge, by order of the brigade 
commander ; and on our retreat they were captured, as was a messenger sent 
to warn them. 

"We are in a state of utter destitution ; and, as we are so far from civiliza- 
tion, we can get nothing by requisition. One old wall-tent, without a fly, 
constitutes our camp-equipage ; and yesterday I received the pleasing intelli- 
gence, that we could get no more in East Tennessee. The men are still on 
very short rations. 

Dec. 27, the regiment changed its camping-grounds to the woods, 
where it remained until Jan. 16, 1864 ; when it marched to 
Strawberry Plains, remaining until the 21st, suffering severely 
from want of sufficient clothing and proper food, — rations being 
six spoonfuls of flour for seven days, and what corn could be 
picked up from under the feet of the mules and horses : the cloth- 
ing was all tattered and torn, and there was not enough even of 
this quality. 

The Thirty-sixth then retreated to Knoxville, and remained 
with the brigade, marching to different points, until the 21st of 
March ; when, passing over the Cumberland Mountains, it reached 
Nicholasville, Ky., April 1, and there took cars for Annapolis, 
reaching that point April 6. Here new clothing was drawn ; 
and the men were- allowed, after the severe hardships of the 
winter, seventeen days for rest. On the 2od they set out to join 
the Army of the Potomac, and reached Bealton May 4. The next 
day they crossed the Rapidan, and on the 6th were engaged in the 
battle of the Wilderness. In three several charges upon the enemy 
here, their loss was heavy. Thence they moved to Spottsylvania 
Court House, where they were again engaged, with heavy loss. 
Also, in the engagement of the Ninth Corps with the enemy at 
Bethesda Church, the Thirty-sixth suffered severely. It was 
engaged in frequent skirmishes until the 14th of June, when it 
reached the banks of the James near Harrison's Landing. Cross- 
ing the river, it arrived in front of the enemy's lines before Pe- 
tersburg on the evening of the 16th. Next morning, at daybreak, 



THE THIRTY-SIXTH AT PETERSBURG. 381 

charged the enemy's works, and surprised him, capturing two can- 
non and four hundred and fifty prisoners ; a success in every 
particular. Here the regiment remained until the 19th of August, 
when it marched to the Weldon Railroad. It returned to Peters- 
burg on the 27th, moving thence to Poplar-grove Church, Va. ; 
where, on the morning of the 30th, the Ninth Corps supported the 
Fifth in a charge upon the rebel works, taking the first line of 
works. In the afternoon of the same day, the Ninth Corps, ' 
being on the left of the Fifth Corps, moved forward on the 
enemy's second line of works, where we were repulsed with con- 
siderable loss. 

Oct. 1, a new line was established at Pegram Farm, Va. 
Here the Thirty-sixth remained encamped until the 29th of No- 
vember, when it was ordered to garrison Fort Rice. 

It remained at Fort Rice until April, doing picket-duty, and 
watching the movements of the enemy. 

In the assault upon the enemy's works on the morning of 
April 2, the regiment had one hundred men on the skirmish 
line, and five in the pioneer corps, to cut away the obstructions in 
front of the assaulting column. The remainder of the regiment 
was held in reserve. Its loss was one enlisted man killed, and 
four enlisted men wounded. 

April 3, the enemy having during the night evacuated their 
lines around Petersburg, our troops were early in motion, and, 
passing through Petersburg, followed the enemy twelve miles. 

On the 5th, it was near Black and White Station, on tlie South- 
side Railroad ; and, on the 9th, Was at Farmville, guarding prison- 
ers. Being relieved here, it re-formed its brigade at City Point, 
and left here by steamer for Alexandria on the 27th, and went 
into camp in front of Fort Lyons on the 28th. On the 8th of 
June, the regiment was mustered out, and left the same day for 
Readville, Mass., for pay and final discharge. 

During the last campaign, it averaged about three hundred men 
ready for duty. When mustered out, two hundred and thirty- 
three men present and absent, whose term of service did not ex- 
pire before the 1st of October, 1865, were transferred to the 
Fifty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers : of these, two 
liundred and three were re-enlisted veterans, formerly of the 
Twenty-first Regiment. 

On the twenty-first day of June, the regiment was assembled as 
a body for the last time, and received its pay and final discharge, 
and to-day exists only in memory. 



382 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



THIRTY- SEVENTH EEGIMENT. 

The Thirty-seventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers was com- 
posed almost exclusively of citizens of Berkshire County. It was 
recruited at Camp Briggs, Pittsfield ; and left the Commonwealth 
Sept. 7, 1862. The following is its roll of officers : — 

Colonel Oliver Edwards. 

Lieutenant- Colonel . . . . A. E. Groodrich. 

Major Gr. L. Montague. 

Surgeon ... . . Charles P. Crehore. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Thomas C. Lawton. 

The regiment was assigned to Gen. Briggs's brigade, and went 
into camp one mile soutli-east of Long Bridge, Va., at Camp 
Chase, where it remained about two weeks. It went to Freder- 
ick, and thence to Bakersville, where the regiment reported to 
Major-Gcn. Couch, who assigned it to the third brigade, Brig.-Gen. 
Devens commanding. It moved about in Maryland and Virginia, 
finally encamping at Warrington. 

Col. Edwards tells the following incident that occurred on its 
way to Washington : — 

Just after leaving Philadelphia, our train came into collision with an extra 
train, carrying a provost-guard to Havre de Grrice. 

Three of the provost-guard were instantly killed, and fifteen wounded ; and 
Surgeon Crehore and Assistant Surgeon Lawtoli, of the Thirty-seventh Regi- 
ment, were untiring in their exertions to alleviate the sufierings of the wound- 
ed. Word was immediately sent back to Philadelphia for another train to 
come to our assistance, which was sent out ; but, unfortunately, they ran 
down upon the same track upon which our train stood. 

A private in Company D, hearing the relief-train coming down upon the same 
track, with great presence of mind seized the red light, and waved it as a sig- 
nal to the approaching train to stop. The engineer, seeing the signal, reversed 
the engine in time to prevent the full efiects of the collision. The private con- 
tinued waving the red light till the train was close upon him, and then threw 
himself flat upon the roof of the car, and escaped unhurt.' Several of Com- 
pany D were slightly bruised, but none seriously injured. 

Omitting minute and unimportant particulars, we give substan- 
tially the report of the Thirty-seventh by one of its officers : — 

The regiment left its camp at New Baltimore, Nov. 13, 1862, and moved, 
via Stafford Court House and White-oak Church, to the Piappahannock at 



THE TIIIRTY-SEVENTH AT FREDERICKSBURG. 383 

Franklin's Crossing, below Fredericksburg ; at which point it crossed to the 
south bank late in the day of Dec. 11, the Tliirty-scvcuth being the advance 
regiment upon the lower of the two bridges there. 

Alone our brigade covered the bridges all the next day, standing to arms 
through the entire night. On the afternoon of the 18th (the day of the gen- 
eral engagement) , we took position on the extreme left, and were under a 
very severe sliell-iire, with, however, but little loss. On the 14th, wo were in 
reserve ; on the 15th, again took position in front, and, during the night, cov- 
ered the retreat of our army to the north bank of the river, our brigade being 
the last to recross, as it had been the first to cross. The behavior of officers 
and men of the regiment in this, the first time they ever were under fire, 
was all that we could wish, and was all that could be expected from even 
Massachusetts men. 

We remained in camp near Falmouth till Jan. 17, 1863 ; when the mo- 
notony of our camp-life was relieved by the " mud campaign," in the miseries 
of which we had our full share. Jan. 20, we returned to our old camp at 
Falmouth. 

March 9, finding sickness increasing to an alarming extent, I laid out a 
new camp, and the regiment constructed a hundred and sixty log-houses, every 
house alike, — twelve feet long, seven feet wide, five feet high on the sides, 
and nine feet in the centre, with a fire-place to each, and a floor of pine poles. 
This camp was built by the men in one week, with but three axes to a company, 
and from standing wood. The favorable results hoped for from this new camp 
were more than realized; and, beyond the Sixth Corps, the "model camp," 
and the appearance and discipline of the Thirty-seventh, were acknowledged as 
second to none. 

On the 28th of April, the passage of the Rappahannock was again forced ; 
and we manoeuvred upon the north bank of the river till the night of IMay 2, 
when we crossed at Franklin's Crossing, and, marching by night, at early 
dawn of May 3 took position in front of the historic Fredericksburg Heights, 
better known, perhaps, as Mary's Hill. In the forenoon, a gallant and suc- 
cessful assault was made upon this strong position ; the Thirty-seventh being 
one of the supports of the charging column, and following close upon its heels. 
We took one of the enemy's redoubts and a number of prisoners, with but little 
loss. Moving immediately forward on the Chancellorsville Road, the advance 
division met tlie enemy re-enforced and strongly posted at Salem Heights. Re- 
newing the attack, the first line of battle was severely repulsed, and thrown 
back in great disoi'der upon the second line, formed by our brigade, in which 
were three Massachusetts regiments. Nobly did they sustain upon that field 
the honor of the Old Bay State. Not a man flinched or faltered : freely they 
exposed their breasts to the leaden storm, and against that line a complete 
division of the rebels was thrown in vain ; and they who swarmed from the 
wood in assaulting columns, flushed with victory, and yelling like demons, 
were thrown back into its sheltering cover, baffled, discomfited, defeated. 

At the beginning of theii- assault, the Thirty-seventh was in column by wing 



384 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

upon the extreme left of our line of battle, the right wing supporting in part 
two batteries. The enemy had come within fifty yards of the guns. At this 
point, by order of Major-Gen. Brooks, I sent Lieut.-Col. Montague with the 
left wing to check the assaulting column of the rebels, which, overlapping our 
line of battle, was endangering our left flank. Crossing a ravine, and mov- 
ing by the flank under cover of a brush fence, they came within fifteen paces 
of the enemy's right without being perceived, and poured into them several 
deadly volleys, which threw them back in confusion to the shelter of the 
woods. The right wing having joined the left, and the Thii'ty-sixth New- York 
Volunteers being added to the command, we held the enemy at bay on the 
extreme left of the front line during that night and the next day (May 4), 
during which nearly the whole of Lee's army was engaged by the Sixth 
Corps alone. After dark upon the evening of the 4th, we fell back to Banks's 
Ford, and, before daylight of the 5th, safely recrossed the river. 

May G, we returned to our old camp at Falmouth. June 6, we marched 
to Franklin's Crossing, and crossed over to the south bank June 10. There 
we remained threatening the enemy till the 13th, when we recrossed the river, 
and took up our line of march, whose northern limit was Gettysburg. Our 
corps protected the rear, crossing the Potomac at Edward's Ferry, June 27, 
1863. 

At four o'clock, P.M., on July 2, 1863, we reached the battle-field of Get- 
tysburg, after a forced march of thirty-four miles ; marching from nine o'clock, 
P.M., July 1, without a halt even long enough to make coffee. Almost, 
immediately upon our arrival, we were ordered on the double-quick to the 
support of our left, then hotly engaged in repelling the attack of Longstreet's 
corps. The next day, we were kept moving much of the time at double- 
quick from point to point of the line of battle. The heat was intense, 
and about twenty men fell in the ranks from sun-stroke. 

About three o'clock, p.m., while marching from the right to the left centre, ' 
we passed through the most terrific shell-fire I ever witnessed ; in the first two 
minutes, losing twenty-three men killed and wounded. The steadiness of the 
men, exhibited in this, the closest test of the soldier, when he is obhged to 
receive blows, with no chance to give, justly entitles them, outside of any thing 
else, to the proud name of veterans. With no quickened step, with no con- 
fusion, straight through that feu d'enfer they marched with a coolness, a 
steadiness, that deserve the highest meed of praise. 

July 4, we took position in the centre, on the front line. The rain fell in 
such torrents as to prevent an assault on our part. The next day, the enemy 
had disappeared from our front; and, with the Sixth Corps, we followed, fight- 
ing their rear-guard every few miles. 

On the 7th of July, direct pursuit was given up ; and, when the Army of 
the Potomac reached Williamsport, Gen. Lee, with the body of his forces, 
had recrossed the river. On the 19th, the Sixth Corps crossed the Potomac, 
advanced by way of Manassas Gap, and took a position in line of battle on 
the Sulphur-spring Road, near Warrenton, Va. 



THE BATTLE OF RAPPAHANNOCK STATION. 385 

July 30, the Tlurty-scventb was detailed by Gen. Sedgewick to proceed to 
New York on duty connected with the draft. 

Arrived at New York Aug. 2, and were ordered to Fort Hamilton. The night 
before the first drafting was to take place, the Thirty-seventh was ordered 
to the city, and bivouacked on Washington Parade-ground, with the exception 
of two companies, which were stationed in the building where the drawing was 
to take place. After a tour of this duty of three days, we were relieved by the 
arrival of other regiments from the Army of the Potomac, and ordered back 
to Fort Hamilton. 

Oct. 14, the regiment was ordered to report to Gen. Halleck 
at Washington. On the IGth, it reported to Gen. Sedgewick; and 
on the 17th joined its old brigade at Chantilly, and, following up 
the retreat of Gen. Lee, reached Warrenton on the 20th. 

Nov. 7, the Thirty-seventh was at the battle of Rappahannock 
Station, though not closely engaged. On tlie 26th, it crossed the 
Rapidan at Jacob's Ford, and took position in line of battle near 
Robinson's Tavern. On the 29th, it made a flank movement 
upon the enemy's right. Dec. 2, the army fell back to the north 
bank of the Rapidan to camp near Brandy Station. Here the 
regiment remained until Feb. 29, when it marched to its former 
camp near Madison Court House. March 21, it was transferred to 
the fourth brigade, second division. Sixth Corps. 

On the 1th of May, the Thirty-seventh left its encampment; there 
being tw^enty-nine officers and five Imndred and eighty enlisted men 
present for duty. It crossed the Rapidan on the following day, 
and participated in the first day's battle of the Wilderness. 
Records an officer, — 

Although not heavily engaged, we were exposed a part of the time to a 
severe musketry-fire, losing Capt. J. L. Hayden and eleven men wounded. 
Resting upon the battle-field during the night, the battle was renewed at an 
early hour upon the 6th ; and no regiment displayed greater gallantry than 
did the Thirty-seventh on the 6th of May. It was on the right of the Gor- 
donsville Plank-road that we lay, in the third or fourth line of battle, as a 
support to the lines in front. The front lines at last gave way, passing over 
the regiment in a complete rout. The enemy, flushed with an apparent suc- 
cess, pressed hard on. The order was given for the Thirty-seventh to ad- 
vance. At the word, every man moved forward under a withering fire, and 
hurled the enemy's fines back, one upon another, for a distance of one-fourth 
of a mile, and held the position until the line in rear had time to re-form. It 
was at this point that the late Gen. Wadsworth, while compUmenting and 
thanking Col. Edwards for the heroic conduct of the regiment, was pierced 
by a Minie ball. I>eing here exposed to a terrific musketry-fire from the 
49 



386 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

front and both flanks, it was ordered to fall back ; wbicb movement it exe- 
cuted without confusion. Our loss in officers in this engagement were Capt. 
R. P. Lincoln, First Lieutenant J. C. Chalmers, both wounded; twenty-nine 
men killed, ninety-nine wounded, and eight missing in action. During the 
night, we encamped with the second division near the headquarters of the 
army, joining the remainder of the Sixth Corps upon the extreme right of 
the line. 

From the 7th to the 12th, the regiment occupied various posi- 
tions in the line of battle. On the 12th, the second division, of 
which this regiment was a part, supported an attack made by the 
Second Corps. The enemy were completely surprised, and their 
works successfully carried. Then ensued a hand-to-hand struggle 
for their possession. The fighting continued from sunrise until 
midnight, when the enemy relinquished the field. 

A battle-flag taken from the enemy is one of the proofs of the 
valor of the Thirty-seventh in this bloody strife. 

The position in front of Spottsylvania was evacuated on the 21st, 
and Cold Harbor reached on the 1st of June. While here, the 
regiment was exposed more or less every day in line of battle. 

Leaving Cold Harbor June 12, Lieut.-Col. Montague in com- 
mand, the regiment crossed the James, and arrived in front of 
Petersburg on the 17th, and on the 29th marched to Ecam's Sta- 
tion. After destroying several miles of railroad, it returned to its 
old station July 2. 

On the 9th of July, the Sixth Corps marched to City Point, and 
embarked for Washington ; the regiment numbering at this time 
seventeen officers, and three hundred and eight men. Arriving 
in Washington on the 12th, it participated in the engagement at 
Fort Stevens, losing two wounded in the Thirty-seventh proper, 
one killed, and four wounded in the attachments. On the 14th, 
it was armed with the Spencer repeating-rifie. 

On the 21st of August, while the regiment was acting as sup- 
port for picket-line, it was attacked, and became engaged in a 
brisk skirmish during a greater part of the day, losing seventeen 
men in killed and wounded. 

On the 16th of September, the veterans and recruits of the Sev- 
enth and Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers were consolidated with 
this regiment by virtue of Special Orders, No. 302, War Depart- 
ment, making a gain to the effective strength of the regiment of 
seventy-three men. On the 19th, the regiment, numbering two 
hundred and ninety-six guns, crossed the Opequan River, and 
became engaged with the enemy about noon, the battle lasting 



THE THIETY-SEVENTH AT PETERSBURG. 387 

until dark, when the enemy was driven through Winchester. 
The regiment received much praise in the army for its services 
during'' this engagement. The capture of tlie colors of Stone- 
wall Jackson's old regiment adds to its glory, and attests its 
faithful services. 

During the evening, the regiment was detailed as provost-guard 
of Winchester, and bivouacked for the night in the court-house 
yard. The next day, quarters were assigned to it in adjacent 
buildings, where it remained doing provost and guard duty until 
Dec. 13 ; when the regiment was ordered to report to Major-Gen. 
Halleck at Washington, and join the Sixth Corps in front of 

Petersburg. 

The regiment remained in camp, with two interruptions, from 
Januarv until April, 1865. The first was on the 5th of February, 
when the first division of the Sixth Corps was ordered to cross 
Hatcher's Run to re-enforce the Sixth Corps, where it held^the 
line of pits that covered the crossing of the run ; and, on the 7th, 
was in reserve of the Fifth Corps in the attempt of that corps to 
capture Dabb's Mills. 

The second occasion was the 25th of March, when Fort Sted- 
man was attacked, the opening of the eventful campaign of 1865. 
On hearing of the capture of the fort by the enemy, the division 
to which the Thirty-seventh belonged was put under way for the 
rescue, and had marched four miles, when it was announced that 
the Ninth Corps had retaken the works, and had driven back the 
enemy within his own lines. 

On the night of the 1st of April, the Sixth Corps made an 
assault on the enemy's lines below Petersburg. The brigades 
were formed in column of attack, preceded by a band of pioneers 
and a heavy skirmish line. 

Capt. Robinson of the Thirty-seventh charged at the head of his 
skirmishers through the abatis, and was borne back wounded ; 
but the colors of his regiment were the first in the division to 
wave over the rebel works. From the fort, the regiment pushed 
on towards the left until it met the troops of the other brigade, 
and then forward to the South-side Railroad. The Thirty-seventh 
alone of the Sixth Corps entered Petersburg next morning, and 
Col. Edwards received the surrender of the place. Four days of 
marching and countermarching brought the regiment to Amelia 
Court House, April 6. 

For an account of the battle of this day, which resulted in the 



388 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

capture of six generals, several thousand prisoners, and several 
cannon, we quote from the official report: — 

At noon we had made a march of twenty-five miles, double-quicking nearly 
eight miles of the way ; and were confronting the enemy, with a deep stream 
between us. Our brigade was on the extreme right of the line, and the 
Thirty-seventh occupied the left of the brigade. Rushing like an avalanche 
across Saylor's Creek when the water was up to our arm-pits, we dislodged 
the enemy from the opposite bank, and drove them over the crest of the hill. 

Beyond the stream, for a quarter of a mile, we advanced through a thick 
growth of underbrush, fighting as we went. The firing waxed hotter and 
hotter, until suddenly we found, to our dismay, that the regiment on our right 
had given way, and the brigade on our left had broken the connection, and 
halted some distance back. We were lost to our friends. Our nearest 
neighbor was our foe. The rebels came pouring down upon us, and within 
a few seconds had attacked and enveloped both flanks of the regiment. A 
hand-to-hand conflict ensued. Many men were wounded with the bayonet, 
and pistol-shots were freely exchanged. 

Meanwhile the Spencer rifle was working the havoc for which it was in- 
tended. All down the front of our regiment, the gaps that our fire opened 
in the enemy's ranks were fearful. They had started to attack us massed in 
heavy columns : scattered fragments only reached us. They came, throwing 
down their guns, raising their hands, and imploring the cessation of the fire. 
After the battle, more than seventy corpses were counted on the ground in 
our immediate front ; and, when we consider that the proportion of the slain 
to the disabled on the field of battle is usually only as one to six, it will be 
seen that the carnage was terrific. Among the prisoners who fell into our 
hands was Major-Gen. Custis Lee, the son of the commander-in-chief of the 
rebel armies. "We lost in this engagement eight men killed and thirty-one 
wounded. 

Sergeant Bolton was a veteran transferred to our regiment from the Tenth 
Massachusetts Volunteers. He was one of the most perfect soldiers the 
reo-iment could boast, was always courteous as a gentleman, and was lion- 
hearted in battle. After passing unscathed through neariy four years of the 
battles of the Army of the Potomac, he fell in the very last engagement of the 
war, just as his comrades were rejoicing in the f^iale of their hard labors. 

Capt. Hopkins commanded the regiment in the engagements of the '2d and 
6th of April, and received great praise for the skill with which he handled his 
command. He was twice brevetted for his gallantry in battle. After the 
battle of Saylor's Creek, we followed the track of Lee's army until it surren- 
dered on the 9th, near Appomattox Court House. 

On the 18th of May, the regiment marched homeward. It was 
reviewed at Washington June 15, left that city for Massachu- 
setts on the 22d, and was disbanded at Readville July 1. 



THE THIRTY-EIGHTH AT FORTRESS MONROE. 389 



THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

The Thirty-eighth was recruited at Camp Edwin M. Stanton, 
Lynnfield ; and left the State for the seat of war, Sept. 24, 1862. 
Arriving in Baltimore, the regiment marched over nearly the same 
route taken by the Sixth Massachusetts, April 19, 18(31, to a 
camp about to be vacated by the Thirty-seventh New- York. The 
camp was in a grove of trees formerly called Druid-hill Park, 
then called Camp Belger. The field and staff officers of the regi- 
ment were, — 

Colonel ...... Timotby Ingraham. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... David K. Ward well. 

Major ...... William L. Rodman. 

Surgeon . , . ... . Samuel C. Havtwell. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Edwin F. Ward. 

Col. Ingraham had served as captain in the Tliird Regiment, 
in the three-months' service, and afterwards as lieutenant-colonel 
in the Eighteenth Regiment. Lieut.-Col. Wardwell had also com- 
manded a company in the Fifth Regiment of the three-months' 
men, and was in the first Bull-Run fight. He afterwards raised 
a company, and went out as captain in the Twenty-second Regi- 
ment, and served with distinction in the battles on the Penhisula, 
for which he was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-eighth. 
When the regiment was at Fortress Monroe, Lieut.-Col. Wardwell 
resigned on account of ill health. 

Pursuant to orders, the regiment marched to a new camp 
about seven miles out of Baltimore, to be in a position to guard 
the Liberty Turnpike. The new camp was called Camp Cram. 
Oct. 12, the regiment was ordered to march to protect the 
Pennsylvania border against a threatened raid from Stuart's 
cavalry. On arriving at Baltimore, the order was coimter- 
manded by Gen. Wool ; and the Thirty-eighth marched to 
Camp Emory, on the outskirts of the city, to the south-west, 
Col. Ingraham acting as brigadier-general. Lieut.-Col. W^ardwell 
had command of the regiment. 

Nov. 9, the Thirty-eighth broke camp, under orders for distant 
service. It embarked on board the " Baltic " in the afternoon of the 
10th, and reached Fortress Monroe on the 12th. While the regi- 
ment was detained there, Lieut.-Col. Wardwell resigned, and was 
succeeded by Major Rodman. Capt. Richardson, of Company A, 



390 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

was promoted major. Dec. 8, the " Baltic " sailed, having on 
board the Thirty-eighth, accompanied by Gen. William H. Emory 
and staff, and anchored off Ship Island at one, p.m., of the 13th. 
The regiment disembarked, and remained in camp mitil the 
29th ; when it embarked on board the transport " Northern 
Light" for New Orleans, where it arrived on the 31st, anchored 
off the city, and the next day (Jan. 1) landed at CarroUton, a sub- 
urb of New Orleans. Col. Ingraham here took command of the 
brigade, and never rejoined the regiment. Feb. 11, it embarked on 
board a river steamer for Plaquemine ; and, on the 19th, returned 
to CarroUton. March 6, sailed to Baton Rouge, where the regiment 
remained until the evening of the 10th, when it started for Port 
Hudson to make a demonstration for the purpose of assisting 
Admiral Farragut in passing the batteries. " The object of the 
expedition having been accomplished," the troops took up the line 
of march for Baton Rouge, and, passing through the city, en- 
camped in Magnolia Grove, one mile beyond. 

April 2, the regiment went on board a transport, steamed 
down the Mississippi, and landed at Algiers, opposite New Orleans. 
On the 9th, leaving behind all regimental baggage, the troops took 
the cars for Brashear City, where they arrived in the afternoon, 
and immediately crossed the bay to Berwick City. A large 
force collected here, Emory's division being joined to Weitzel's 
veterans. 

The regiment was now a part of the third brigade, commanded 
hj Col. Gooding ; and of the third division, commanded by Gen. 
Emory. In the afternoon of the 10th, the Nineteenth Army 
Corps, under the command of Major-Gen. Banks, started on the 
\Yestern-Louisiana campaign. On the afternoon of April 12, 
the Union forces came upon the enemy, strongly intrenched at 
Bisland, on the Bayou Teche. The battle of the 13th continued 
all day. The Thirty-eighth was actively engaged, losing six men 
killed, and twenty-nine wounded. The enemy evacuated their 
position during the night, and retreated towards Alexandria. 
The forces of Gen. Banks pursued so closely as frequently to 
prevent the destruction of bridges which span the numerous 
loayous in that section of the State. A majority of the rebels 
escaped, though an army completely demoralized, and rendered 
incapable, for months, of acting on the offensive. The forces of 
Gen. Banks arrived at Alexandria May 7. Leaving there on the 
15th, they reached the town of Morganza on the 22d. Here the 
army found transports awaiting it to cross the river. A sail of four- 



THE THIRTY-EIGHTH AT PORT HUDSON. 391 

teen miles brought it to Bayou Sara, where the troops were disem- 
barked. Next morning, the cohimn moved toward Port Hudson. 
On the 25th and 2Gth, the Thirty-eighth was engaged in support 
of the Eighteenth New-York Battery at Sandy Creek, a few hun- 
dred yards from the extreme riglit of the enemy's works. The 
regiment was relieved by the Third and Fourth Louisiana 
(colored) Regiments, and ordered to rejoin the brigade. While 
at that point, however, the Thirty-eightli had the opportunity of 
witnessing the behavior of the first " colored boys in blue " 
under fire. 

On the 27th, a grand assault upon the fort was made. The 
Thirty-eighth supported Duryea's battery until ten, a.m., when it 
volunteered in a charge with a few regiments of G rover's division. 
The charge was made over ravines and an abatis of fallen tim- 
ber to within one hundred and fifty yards of the works, when 
the severity of the enemy's fire compelled the men to lie down. 
In this position, exposed to the scorching sun and the death-deal- 
ing missiles of the enemy, safe behind their breastworks, the 
assailants were compelled to remain almost motionless for hours. 
Lieut.-Col. Rodman, rising to give orders, was instantly killed ; 
and the command devolved upon Capt. Wyman. The assault 
proved unsuccessful ; but the position was held, and before night 
it was unsafe for a rebel to show his head above the works. 
June 14, another assault was ordered, during which the Thirty- 
eighth and Fifty-third Massachusetts were deployed as skirmishers, 
and had the advance. Port Hudson surrendered July 8. On 
the 11th, the regiment returned to Baton Rouge. 

The regiment was encamped at Baton Rouge until March 1, 
1864 ; when, a re-organization of the Nineteenth Corps taking 
place, the designation of the brigade was changed to tbird bri- 
gade, second division. 

March 23, embarked on board the steamer " Laurel Hill," and 
reached Alexandria on the 25th. Next day, the Red-river expe- 
dition, under command of Major-Gen. Banks, moved out from that 
place, leaving the second division, Nineteenth Corps, as garrison 
of the town, it being the base of supplies. On receiving unfavor- 
able tidings from the army, the Thirty -eighth broke camp April 
12, and embarked on board the " Mitie Stephens " to join the 
Nineteenth Corps, then encamped at Grand Ecore. Here the 
Thirty-eighth was temporarily assigned to. the second brigade, 
third division, commanded by Gen. Birge. 
April 21, the army began the march for Alexandria, which 



392 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

continued through the night and the following day, taxing 
to the utmost the endurance of the men. April 23, the Nineteenth 
Corps, at Cane River, were opened upon with artillery by the 
enemy, strongly posted at the crossing of the river. The corps 
forded, and moved forward to the approach of the left flank 
of the enemy. The detachment of the tiiird brigade (Thirtj^- 
eightli Massachusetts and Hundred and Twenty-eighth New- 
York Volunteers, Col. James Smith commanding) was deployed 
as skirmishers, and the advance began. Coming to an opening, 
the enemy was discovered to be in force on a steep bluff heavily 
timbered. Re-enforcements arriving, tliey were formed into 
column for an attack. A charge was ordered, and in an instant 
the whole column emerged from the woods. The skirmish line, 
headed by Col. Smith, closely followed by the columns in support, 
rushed across the opening, gained the bluff, causing the enemy 
to beat a hasty retreat. The next day, the army crossed the river 
on pontoons, and the Thirty-eighth was temporarily assigned to 
detachment. Seventeenth Corps. The army reached Alexandria 
on the 26th, and on the 11th of May began its march for the Mis- 
sissippi River, the Nineteenth Corps in support of the cavalry 
advance. On the 16th, an engagement took place between the 
Nineteenth Corps and the enemy, which lasted several hours, the 
enemy falling back at every advance of the infantry. No mus- 
ketry was used, and the casualties in the corps were few. 

Having passed the Mansura Plains, the enemy retired, to 
molest no more. Tlie regiment was at Morganza from May 21 
until July 3, when the regiment sailed for Algiers, La., which 
it reached next day. July 20, the Thirty-eighth and two hun- 
dred men of the Thirteenth Connecticut Volunteers embarked 
on board the steamer "Karnak " for Fortress Monroe, and, arriving 
in Hampton Roads July 28, were ordered to report to Gen. Halleck 
at Washington. 

The regiment was now temporarily assigned to detachment, 
second division ; Col. Macauley, Eleventh Indiana, commanding. 
It was first moved to Harper's Ferry, and thence to Healltown ; 
when the regiment was assigned to first brigade, second division, 
Col. Macauley commanding. 

On the 10th, the whole artillery, cavalry, and infantry, under 
Gen. Sheridan, moved forward in pursuit of the enemy, the cav- 
alry skirmishing with their rear-guard. The men of the Nine- 
teenth Corps, worn out by tlie Red-river campaign, and having 
regained their strength but partially, began this new campaign 
under unfavorable circumstances. 



WINCHESTER AND CEDAR CREEK. 393 

On the 20tli, it received orders to rejoin the third brigade, Col. 
Sharp commanding. On the 28th, the army marched to Summit 
Point, a lew miles beyond Charlestown, and, Sept. o, to Berry- 
ville, where a sharp encounter took place between the Eighth 
Corps and Early's force ; but, the enemy retiring, the engage- 
ment did not become general. During the next fortnight, but 
little worthy of mention transpired. On the 19th was fought the 
battle of Opequan. Passing the Opequan Creek, the Nineteenth 
Corps filed into the fields on the right of the road, and formed 
into line of battle, the Thirty-eighth in the front line. Just before 
sundown, Gen. Sheridan ordered a final charge. The rebels 
were routed, and Winchester was ours. 

Sept. 22, a general advance was ordered against the enemy, 
intrenched on Fisher Hill. The Eighth Corps, by a rapid and 
successful detour, flanked the enemy's position; and the Nine- 
teenth, charging in front in three lines of battle, drove them in 
confusion from the works. 

The pursuit of the enemy was prosecuted with eagerness. Ar- 
riving at Woodstock, a halt was ordered. This was one of the 
hardest marches the regiment ever performed. On the 26th, it 
made camp at Harrisonburg ; and, on the 29th and oOth, took part 
in the reconnoissance to Mount Crawford. Oct. 6, the army took 
up the march in retreat. On the 10th, it reached Cedar Creek, and 
went into camp ; next day, building breastworks. On the 19th, 
the rebels, having flanked the Eighth Corps, and driven it back in 
confusion, fell upon the Nineteeiitli Corps, of which the tliird bri- 
gade, of the second division, was on the extreme left, the regiment 
being on the right of the brigade. Here, exposed to a severe cross- 
fire. Col. Macaulcy was severely wounded ; and the regiment, falling 
back beyond tiic cam]), joined in the retreat. Gen. Sheridan, ar- 
riving on the ground, gave directions to face about, and regain the 
position that had been lost. 

The Thirty-eighth was placed in the second Hne. A charge was 
ordered. The enemy fled in disorder ; and, at nightfall, the Thirty- 
eighth occupied the works evacuated in the morning. The next 
day, it advanced towards Strasburg, and remained in line of battle 
on a prominent hill until Oct. 21. 

Nov. 9, it marched along Winchester Pike, and, in the afternoon, 
was assigned a position near Opequan Creek, a mile from Kearns- 
town. Here preparations were made for winter-quarters ; when 
on the 20th came marching-orders, and the Thirty-eighth was 
detailed for provost-duty in Winchester. 

50 



394 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

This duty was of short duration. On the 5th January, the third 
brigade was ordered to Baltimore, and encamped a few days at 
Camp Carrollton. On the 13th, the Thirty-eighth embarked on 
board the "• Oriental " for Savannah, and arrived there on the 19th. 
The regiment remained encamped on the outskirts of the city un- 
til the 5th of March, when, embarking on board a steamer, it 
reached Morehead City on the 8th. In the evening, it took the 
cars for Newbern, where it arrived just too late to be needed 
there. 

From Newbern it was sent back to Morehead City, at that 
time the base of supplies for Sherman's army. April 7, intelli- 
gence of the defeat of Gen. Lee before Richmond and Petersburg 
was received ; and, on the 8th, the regiment took cars for Golds- 
borough. Here six companies were detailed for provost-duty, and 
the rest to guard commissary-stores. 

On the 2d of May, they all returned to Morehead City, and, on the 
4th, embarked again for Savannah. They were here assigned light 
provost-duty. 

June 9, the order came for mustering out the regiment. All 
the papers, however, were not completed until June 30, when the 
welcome order was received to strike tents and go home. By an 
order from the War Department, the men were permitted to retain 
their arms. 

Leaving Savannah on the 30th, they reached home on the 7th of 
July, and, on the 13th, received an ovation from the authorities 
of Cambridge, in which city three companies of the regiment had 
been enlisted. 

Warm welcomes were also extended to the men from Lynn, 
New Bedford, and Abington. 



CHAPTER XX. 
THIRTY-NINTH, FORTIETH, AND FORTY-FIRST REGIMENTS. 

The Camps, and the Departure of the Thirty-ninth. — Guarding the Potomac. — Jlarches 
and Battles in Virginia. — Before Petersburg. — With Sheridan. — Mustered out. — 
The Fortieth Regiment goes to Washington, and protects the Capitol. — On the March. 

— The Affair at Baltimore Cross-roads. — The Sixth Brigade. — Gen. Devens's Letter. 

— The Forty-first sails with Gen. Banks for New Orleans. — Arrival and Service 
there.— The March to Port Hudson.— The Regiment changed to the Third Massa- 
chusetts Cavalry. 

THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT. 

THE Thirty-ninth removed from Springfield, Sept. 1, to Camp 
Stanton, Boxford, Mass. ; which place it left on the Gth, and 
arrived at Washington on the 8th. Its officers at this time were, — 

Colonel P. Steams Davis. 

Lieutenant -Colonel . . . Charles L. Peirson. 

Major Henry M. Tremlett. 

Surgeon Calvin G. Page. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . James L. Chipman. 

Chaplain ..... Edward Beecber French. 

From the time of its arrival at Washington until January, 
1863, the Thirty-ninth was engaged at various points in guarding 
the Potomac. The daily detail from the regiment for picket-guard 
was two officers, eight non-commissioned officers, and ninety men. 

On the 11th of November, by order of Gen. Heintzelman, 
Brig.-Gen. Grover relinquished the command of the brigade to 
Col. Davis, devolving the command of this regiment upon Lieut.- 
Col. Peirson. In accordance with instructions from Gen. Heint- 
zelman, Col. Davis moved the brigade, the regiments of which were 
scattered from Seneca Greek down the Potomac, a distance of six 
miles, to OfFutt's Cross-Roads, sixteen miles from Washington, 
where it was consolidated in a camp of instruction on the 14th of 
November. 

On the 21st of December, the regiment marched to Poolesville, 
where it remained in camp during the winter. 

395 



396 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

April 15, it marched for AVasliington, D.C., where it performed 
guard and patrol duty until the 9th of July. 

On the 10th, it proceeded to Maryland Heights. Here the 
regiment joined Gen. Briggs's brigade, as part of the second 
division, First Corps, Army of the Potomac. July 14, the 
Thirty-ninth crossed the river, and commenced its march soutli- 
ward, arriving at Rappahannock Station July 27. The regi- 
ment supported the crossing of Buford's cavalry at this point, 
Aug. 1 ; itself making the passage during the day, and fortify- 
ing a position on the right bank of the river. On the 8th, it re- 
crossed, and, on the 16th of September, went into camp at 
Stevensburg. On the 24th, the marcli was resumed. Several 
positions were successively taken and abandoned during these 
weeks of marching and camping. No incidents worthy of partic- 
ular note are mentioned by the officers. At Mine Run, a slight 
skirmish took place with the enemy's pickets. One man was 
wouwded. From the 29th of November to the 1st of December, 
the division to which the Thirty-ninth belonged lay in line of 
battle near the enemy's works. The army then commenced its 
retreat towards the Rapidan. 

The First Corps covered the crossing of the Fifth and Sixth. 
On the morning of the 2d, this regiment, being the last to cross 
the river, marched to Stevensburg, and bivouacked for the night ; 
and, on the 3d, went into camp about one mile from Kelley's Ford, 
on the right bank of the Rappahannock River, where it occupied 
log-houses built by Gen. Lee's force for winter-quarters, from 
which they were dislodged by our army on the 7th of November 
last. On the 24th of December, the regiment marched to Mitch- 
ell's Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, where it 
formed the extreme outpost of the army. Here it built winter- 
quarters, and remained during the winter, picketing the north 
bank of the Rapidan. On the 4th of May, 1864, the Thirty-ninth 
entered upon the spring campaign, which was inaugurated in the 
battle-ground of the Wilderness. Having crossed the Rapidan, it 
arrived there on the evening of the same day. The next morn- 
ing, the regiment was ordered out on the Brock Pike, where it 
was formed, and advanced in line of battle through the woods to 
the support of a line in front that was being di^iven by the enemy. 
After checking this advance of the enemy, the regiment took po- 
sition in the front, and remained in the edge of the wood till late 
in the afternoon ; when a charge across the field was essayed, but, 
being unsupported, was unsuccessful ; and the regiment resumed its 



THE THIRTY-NINTH AT PETERSBURG. 397 

position in the edge of the wood, and remained there through the 
night. 

The loss of the regiment in this, its first engagement, was 
slight, — one killed, and eighteen wounded. 

On the morning of the Gth, the regiment was relieved by other 
troops, and passed back to the reserve ; but the stay was sliort. 
After an "hour's rest, it was sent to the front, and, after many 
changes of position, was finally sent to the left to take position on 
the Mine-run Mud-pike, where works were built; and the regiment 
occupied them till the night of the 7th, when the march to Laurel 
Hill was made. Early on the morning of the 8th, after a hard 
night's march, the enemy's cavalry were found in front, disputing 
the road to our cavalry. The regimerit, with the rest of the bri- 
gade, was ordered to the support of the cavalry ; and, after fixing 
bayonets, a charge was made, driving the cavalry, then a battery, 
and finally meeting the infantry of the enemy strongly posted be- 
hind breastworks. Here the enemy's force was found superior to 
our own ; and, after a hard fight, the regiment was obliged to fall 
back over an open field. In this action the regiment lost a brave 
and efficient officer. First Lieut. Isaac D. Paul, who was wounded 
and taken by the enemy, and died on the way to the hospital. 
Lieut. L. F. Wyman was also taken prisoner, and Lieut. J. A. 
Merrifield wounded. 

On the night of the 13th, the march to Spottsylvania was made 
through deep mud and pitchy darkness, reaching that place a lit- 
tle after daylight. Here we remained till the 20th, with frequent 
changes of position ; at no time actually engaged, although fre- 
quently exposed to artillery-firing. 

The crossing of the North Anna was effected on the 23d, with- 
out any serious opposition ; and the march was continued, with 
frequent skirmishes and but little rest for the troops, until they 
reached Cold Harbor, wdiere they arrived June 5. Here a halt 
of five days was made, and a supply of clothing distributed. 

On the 12th, the march was resumed. Crossing the Chickahom- 
iny at midnight, the regiment, with the rest of the division (Gen. 
Crawford's), pushed on after the army, which was overtaken at 
St. Mary's Church, and continued until the afternoon of the 14th, 
when a halt was ordered near Charles-City Court House. On the 
16th, the army reached the James. The regiment crossed in a 
transport, and was hurried off towards Petersburg. Arriving there 
at daylight on the 17th, the day was spent in getting into a position. 

On the morning of the 18th, an advance was made, and the one- 



398 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

my driven out of his works, across the Norfolk Raikoad, into 
his inner Hne of works. The troops were massed in a ravine, 
preparatory to a charge ; but the order was countermanded, and 
the regiment remained near Petersburg, doing picket and other 
duty, until June 25, when the Twelfth Regiment Massachusetts 
Volunteers left the line, their term of service having expired, and 
the veterans and recruits of that regiment were transferred to the 
Thirty-ninth. By this transfer, the regiment received two hundred 
and forty-one men, — one hundred and twenty-five present for 
duty. 

While doing picket-duty in the front, July 11, a shell, thrown 
from the enemy, burst in the head-quarters of the regiment, 
wounding Col. Davis. He was immediately taken to the rear, 
but died before reaching the hospital. Referring to this severe 
blow to the regiment, in a letter written at that time. Col. Pier- 
son says, — 

This regiment has met with its greatest loss. His place cannot be filled to 
us, and the service has lost an officer who cannot well be spared at this time. 
No purer patriot, no more brave or faithful soldier, no more honorable gentle- 
man, has Massachusetts sent to represent her in this struggle, and none have 
been more conspicuous for entire devotion to duty, none more respected among 
his fellow-soldiers, than Col. P. S. Davis. 

July 12, the regiment moved into Fort Davis, so called in honor 
of its late colonel; and remained there a month, picketing the 
front, and working on the fort. On the 13th of July, the veterans 
and recruits of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteers were 
transferred to the regiment, one hundred and three in number. 

On the 18th of August, the regiment accompanied the advance 
to the Weldon Railroad. In a vigorous attack made by the 
enemy. Col. Pierson was seriously wounded, and helped off the 
field; and the command devolved on Capt. F. R. Kingsley. The 
enemy were driven back, the line advanced, and the position held 
during the night. 

The next day, the 19th, the enemy made a heavy attack on our 
position, and, although repulsed in our own front, succeeded in 
breaking the line both on the right and on the left, and formed a 
line in rear of our works. Our batteries opened a vigorous shell- 
ing, which drove the men out of the works, only to fall into the 
hands of the enemy in the rear. The greater part of the regi- 
ment engaged was captured. Among the prisoners were Capt. F. 
R. Kinsley, commanding the regiment ; Capt. E. J. Trull, then on 



THE FIGHT AT DABNEY'S MILLS. 399 

brigade staff; Lieuts. L. R. Tidd, C. H. Chapman, G. A. Barker, 
and J. F. R. Hosea. The loss of the regiment in these two days 
was eleven killed, thirty-two wounded, and two hundred and forty- 
five missing. The capture of Capt. F. R. Kinsley left the com- 
mand of the regiment to Capt. G. S. Nelson. On the 21st, 
the enemy made several attacks in force, but were each time 
driven back in great disorder. The rebels now ceased all at- 
tempts to recover the Weldon Railroad. 

During the remainder of September and October, the regiment 
was variously engaged in reconnoissances, frequent skirmishing, 
and in garrison-duty. 

Nov. 5, Lieut.-Col. Tremlett returned from draft rendezvous, 
and took command of the regiment. 

On the 7th of December, the Thirty-ninth, leading the infantry, 
marched on an expedition to Jarrett's Station, Weldon Railroad, 
to destroy portions of the road. It reached its destination a little 
after dark ; and, during that night and the next morning, the work 
of destruction went forward vigorously. The forces were with- 
drawn in the evening ; and next morning, on their return, the 
Thirty-ninth was designated to cover the rear. After marching 
some five miles, the enemy made a dash on the rear, driving in 
the rear-guard of cavalry ; but a few shots from the infantry soon 
checked them. During the entire day, the enemy's cavalry fol- 
lowed closely, and captured many stragglers. Four men of the 
regiment, who fell out exhausted, were lost. On the 12th, they 
readied their lines before Petersburg, and went into camp near 
the Jerusalem Flank-road. The regiment occupied this camp a 
little over a month. Feb. 5, the regiment received orders to 
report at brigade headquarters. Early next morning, it com- 
menced the march towards Hatcher's Run. In the afternoon the 
run was crossed, and line of battle formed, the regiment having 
the right of the first line. An advance was made, and the enemy 
was found intrenched in strong works near Dabney's Mills, The 
first attempt to dislodge the enemy was unsuccessful ; but by 
a second charge the works were taken, but were soon afterwards 
abandoned for want of support, and the troops recrossed the run, 
and bivouacked for the night. 

Tuesday, Felx 7, the line of battle was formed at eight o'clock, 
A.M. The regiment deployed as skirmishers in front of the brigade, 
and, advancing, drove the enemy's skirmishers from three lines of 
rifle-pits into their main works. It skirmished all day in front 
of these works until five o'clock, p.m., wlien an advance of the line 



400 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE ItEBELLION. 

was ordered. The assault was not successful, and the line fell 
back to its original position, where it remained exposed to a gall- 
ing fire till late at night, when it was relieved. 

During the next few weeks, the regiment passed several re- 
views, — once by the Secretary of War, and once by the President. 
On the 29th of March, the spring campaign was fairly entered 
upon. 

The regiment broke camp at three o'clock, a.m., and, after tlie 
usual delays, was marched to the left till the Boynton Plank- 
road was reached, where the enemy was found, and, after some 
skirmishing, driven back, and possession of their lines taken. This 
position was held through the next day, the regiment remaining 
on the skirmish line during the whole time until the morning of 
the 31st, when a move was made still farther to the left, to near 
Gravelly Run, where the enemy was found in strong force. Here 
a heavy attack was made by the enemy, and the regiment was 
hurriedly sent out as skirmishers to check the enemy until the 
lines could be formed. This it was unable to do, and, after suffer- 
ing very heavily, was obliged to fall back, leaving many wounded 
and dead upon the field. Lieut-Col. Tremlett was wounded soon 
after the engagement began, and was with much difficulty con- 
veyed to the rear. • It was found necessary at the hospital to ampu- 
tate his leg at once. The command of the regiment then devolved 
upon Capt. J.J. Cooper. In this action, Capt. Willard received 
a wound which resulted in his death the next morning. By his 
death, the regiment lost one of its most popular and loved officers, 
as well as one of its best soldiers. After a rally had been made, 
and re-enforcements had arrived, another advance was made, and 
all the ground lost in the morning regained, and a considerable 
advance beyond made. This position was held through the night. 

Saturday, April 1, the corps left this part of the line, moved 
to the left- and united with the cavalry under Major-Gen. Sheri- 
dan. At noon the lines were formed, near the Five Forks, for 
an assault. The cavalry were formed on each flank, and the in- 
fantry in the centre. The Thirty-ninth was assigned a place in 
the front line, near the centre. About four o'clock, p.m., the for- 
ward movement Ijegan ; and the enemy's skirmishers were soon 
found, and driven back. A quick and spirited fight soon gave us 
an opening in the enemy's lines ; and, after tliis, the victory was 
certain. Some five miles of the enemy's works were taken, and 
the pursuit followed up till long after dark. This battle of 
Five Forks was the most successful one that the regiment was ever 



DEATH OF COL. TREMLETT. 401 

eno-aged in. Almost the entire force opposed was captnred, and 
the rout was complete. Our loss was comparatively slight. 

It was the last engagement of this regiment. Next the pur- 
suit of the rebels under Gen. Lee commenced, which resulted in 
his surrender on the 9th. On the 1st of May, the regiment took 
up the line of march for Washington ; arrived there on the 12th, 
and encamped near Fort Albany. On the 23d, it took part in the 
grand review of the army in Washington. 

Friday, June 2, the muster-out of the regiment was begun ; 
and Sunday, June 4, it broke camp, and reported in Washington 
for transportation to Massachusetts. The trip home was quickly 
made, with but few halts, — one at the well-known "Cooper 
Shop," which never allows a soldier to pass through Philadelphia 
hungry ; and one in New York, where a lunch was promptly pro- 
vided by the New-England Relief Association. Tuesday morning, 
June 6, it arrived at Readville, and was assigned quarters in 
the barracks. 

The arrival home was saddened to the regiment by the death, im- 
mediately after, of its colonel, Henry M. Tremlett. He died at his 
home in Boston, from the effects of the wound received at Peters- 
burg ; but the blow was a sudden one to the regiment, from the 
favorable accounts which had been received from him from time 
to time. After a term of service extending back to Ball's Bluff, 
it seemed hard to lose him at the very end. In his death the 
regiment lost a good commander, who had made himself loved by 
both officers and men, and respected by all, for his distinguished 
courage. 

FORTIETH EEGIMENT. 

The Fortieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers was recruited 
at Camp Stanton, Lynnfield ; and left Massachusetts for Washing- 
ton, Sept. 8, 1862, under command of Licut.-Col. Dalton, an 
experienced officer in the volunteer militia. 

On the 7th of September, Major Burr Porter, U.S.A., of New 
York, was commissioned colonel ; and he joined the regiment, and 
took command of it, Sept. 14. 

Its roll of officers was then as follows : — 

Colonel Burr Porter. 

Lientenant -Colonel .... Joseph A Dalton. 

Major Joseph M. Day. 

Surgeon OUver E. Brewster.. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Andrew Smith. • 
Chaplain J. Henry Thayer. 

51 



402 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

On its arrival at Washington, it was assigned to the brigade of 
Gen. Robert Cowdin. Its camp was an advance post of the de- 
fences of Washington, and farther from the forts than that of any 
other regiment. This camp was well sheltered, well drained, and 
very healthy. 

Dec. 28, the regiment, with the rest of the brigade, marched to 
Mills Cross-roads in search of Stuart's rebel cavalry. The enemy 
made a hurried flight, and only a small rear-guard was captured. 
The brigade returned to camp next evening, where the regiment 
remained until Feb. 12, 1863, when it was ordered to Hunt's 
Chapel, and performed picket-duty on the Columbia Turnpike. 

March 30, the regiment was ordered to Vienna, fifteen miles 
distant. 

This march won for the regiment extraordinary praise. In a 
driving storm of wind and snow, over bad roads and through 
dense woods, the distance was passed, in heavy marching-order, 
in four hours. Here they remained, under command of Lieut- 
Col. Dalton, in the performance of the severe and exacting duties 
imposed upon light troops in advanced positions. The regiment 
returned to quarters April 11, and received laudatory notice for 
its conduct and fortitude, in General Orders, Department Head- 
quarters. 

On the 15th of April, received at four, a.m., marching-orders 
for Alexandria. Upon arrival, were, with the brigade, under 
command of Col. Porter, embarked in transports for Norfolk, en 
route for Suffolk, at that time invested by Lieut.-Gen. Longstreet. 
They arrived at Suffolk at midnight, and bivouacked. The next 
day, formed camp with the other brigade of this division, outside 
the town, on the banks of the Nansemond River. An officer 
wrote, — 

In hope of compelling Gen. Longstreet to remain where he was, news hav- 
ing been received that Hooker had crossed the Rappahannock, a strong column 
was sent across the Nansemond, May 3. In this the Fortieth participated. 
The object of this movement being achieved, the troops left Suffolk next day 
tinder orders to proceed to West Poiut. Thence, on the 31st, they proceeded 
to Yorktown. On the 9th, Gen. Keyes's advance started for Williamsburg, 
where they arrived in the afternoon of the same day. Next morning, the 
Fortieth was detached, and sent on a raid across the Chickahominy River to 
Jamestown Island, and returned on the 13th after a wearisome march of sev- 
enty-five miles. On the 15th, it went up the Peninsula to White-House 
Landing, and thence on the 1st of July to Baltimore Cross-roads. 

On the night of the 2d, the second brigade, under command of Col. Porter 



THE FORTIETH AT FOLLY ISLAND. 403 

of the Fortieth, was ordered to support Col. West's brigade, which had been 
repulsed. It started at once, and met West coming down the road in utter 
confusion. It drew up by the side of the road, let him pass, and formed line, 
throwing out skirmishers. Within thirty minutes, the enemy showed himself, 
and we opened fire on his cavalry. They were repulsed with loss of the chef 
de squadron and several horses. The advance of the enemy was resolute. 
It was ten o'clock at night, and our brigade fell back to supporting distance. 
The enemy opened with his artillery, and we replied. The Fortieth did all 
the skirmishing and all the fighting done by infantry. It may truly be said, 
that to the Fortieth 3Iassachusetts it was due that lasting disgrace was not 
inflicted upon the entire corps. 

Having advanced as far as the honor of the Government and the purpose 
of the expedition required, on the 8th, when within fifteen miles of the ene- 
my's capital, orders were given to return. The Fortieth acted as rear-guard 
of the column in retiring. In forty-eight hours from the time of starting from 
Baltimore Store, the Fortieth, passing over roads cut up by wagons and 
artillery, and rendered almost impassable in some places by heavy rains, 
stacked arms in Yorktown, and, after resting an hour, were embarked in trans- 
ports for Washington. Arrived July 11, at seven, p.m., and embarked in 
the ears for Frederick, Md. Reached there at midnight. On the 13th, Col. 
Porter resumed command, and the old brigade was dissolved ; and, after the 
battle of Chancellorsville, the Fortieth was ordered to the Eleventh Corps 
d'Arraee. The Fortieth marched with the Army of the Potomac in pursuit of 
Lee, through Maryland to the Potomac River, at Berlin. Built a pontoon- 
bridge over the river, and. on the 19th, crossed. Marched from Berlin to 
Warrenton, thence to Greenwich, and thence to Catlett's Station. Here wo 
received orders, on the Gth of August, to proceed to Alexandria ; and, on the 
7th, embarked for Charleston. Arrived at Folly Island on the 13th, and 
went into the trenches on Morris Island, before Fort Wagner, on the 15th. 

Out of the seven days' bombardment and siege of Fort Sumter, the Fortieth 
were in the trenches five days and nights. On the 26th, the Fortieth was 
ordered to the front to support a two-hundred-pound battery. Nov. 10, Col. 
Guy V. Henry assumed command ; and, on the 13th, the regiment went upon 
an expedition to Kraivah and Seabrook Islands. Here the men forced the 
channel between the islands, drove in the enemy's pickets, and fired upon his 
cavalry. The rebels immediately fled; and the Fortieth, finding nothing 
worthy of its attention, took up the line of march for home. The enemy fol- 
lowed, and opened fire with artillery; but the regiment soon silenced his fire, 
and shelled him from his position. 

The- regiment remained on Folly Island until Jan. 10, 1864, when it was 
ordered to Hilton Head. Sailed from Stone Landing the same day, and dis- 
embarked at Hilton Head on the 18th. On the 4th of February, it joined 
the expedition to Florida, and, after a successful voyage, landed at Jackson- 
ville on the 7th. The mounted force called the " Light Brigade," consisting of 
the Independent Battalion Massachusetts Cavalry, the Fortieth Massachusetts, 



404 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

and Battery B, First United-States Artillery, under command of Col. Henry, 
advanced, and, passing around Fort Finnegan, came to Ten-mile Bun, where 
a rebel battery was stationed. They charged upon the enemy, and captured 
the entire battery without the loss of a man. A large amount of supplies and 
stores fell into their hands. The column pushed forward, and met the enemy 
at Barber's Ford. A short skirmish ensued, and the enemy were driven to 
Saunderson. On the 15th, with a detachment of fifty-two men from the 
Fortieth, Capt. Marshall captured Gainesville and an immense amount of 
Government property, and then rejoined the brigade at Barber's Ford on 
the 18th. 

On the 20th of February, the infantry having come up from 
Jacksonville, the whole force advanced towards Sanderson ; and, 
in the afternoon of that day, a skirmish of the advance-guard 
with the enemy brought on the battle of Olustee. 

The enemy were in heavy force: the conflict was desperate, 
and the troops fought fiercely. At dusk, the Union forces withdrew 
from the field, having lost, in killed, wounded, and missing, two 
thousand one hundred men out of a force of five thousand. 

The light brigade followed the infantry back to Jacksonville. 
On the 1st of March, the enemy advanced : a hard skirmish took 
place, and the brigade retired in good order. It remained in 
the extreme front until orders from Washington recalled the 
Fortieth North, when, as an organization, it was broken up, and 
became infantry again. It embarked for the North on the 22d, 
arrived at Gloucester Point on the 28th, and was assigned to 
the first brigade, second division. Tenth Corps d'Armee. Under 
command of Col. Henry, the Fortieth was sent to Bermuda Hun- 
dred, where it landed May 6. 

It performed an active part in the affairs of Bermuda Hun- 
dred, Swift Creek, and the battle of Drury's Bluff. Its services 
well deserve a volume ; but space forbids an extended narrative. 
Our lack in this respect is, however, supplied by the admirable 
and graphic statement of Major-Gen. Devens, of whose division 
it formed a part. Gen. Devens, in his letter to Gov. Andrew, 
says, — 

Afterwards serving in the Eighteenth and Twenty-fourth Corps, it was 
heavily engaged in the terrible battles of Cold Harbor, June 1 and 3, 1864; 
at the aftairs in front of Petersburg during the summer of 1864, and that of 
the Williamsburg Boad, Oct. 27 ; and was one of the first regiments to enter 
Bichmond on the morning of April 3, 1865. 

I have not undertaken to enumerate all the skirmishes and minor affairs in 
which this gallant regiment participated ; but it is entitled to the credit of having 



THE FORTIETH MUSTERED OUT. 405 

always clone its duty fiiithfully and bravely. In many actions it lias suffered 
severely both in officers and men, especially in those of Drury's Bluff and Cold 
Harbor. I would willingly recall here the names of all its brave soldiers who 
have laid down their lives in the noble cause for which they were summoned 
together ; but space compels me to limit myself to the senior officer of this 
regiment, who has fallen in action, — Lieut. -Col. George E. Marshall, an officer 
of the highest character and the most distinguished gallantry, who was mor- 
tally wounded at Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864. Of him and his brave command 
the recollections of your Excellency and the people of Massachusetts will be 
most grateful and tender; and joyous as will be the greeting that will salute 
the tattered flags of the regiment as they are brought home in triumph, yet, 
amidst that joy, the brave dead who sleep until the eternal morn in the swamps 
of Florida, in the sands of Carolina, and on the hills of Virginia, will not be 
forgotten. 

For equipment, discipline, and good conduct in camp, as well as in the 
field, this regiment has alwajs been distinguished, and at several of the com- 
petitive examinations has been pronounced the best in this division, composed 
of eighteen regiments. If good conduct in camp be any guaranty for simi- 
lar conduct at home, I believe the men of this regiment will be found worthy 
of every confidence l)y those with whom they are hereafter to be associated in 
the civil walks of life. The evils which have been experienced in some coun- 
tries by the sudden disbandment of large armies cannot occur among us : our 
soldiers are men who have come from various occupations to the solemn duty 
which they have been called to perform, with a feeling always that they would 
be glad to return as soon as the necessity which called them forth should cease 
to exist, and will rapidly find their appropriate spheres in the various branches 
of industry which peace will open to the citizens of Massachu.setts. 

These men have been true and valiant soldiers ; but war is not their trade : 
they have been soldiers only because the Republic has called on them to draw 
the sword, and they gladly exchange it for the implements which are the 
agencies of the arts of peace. They will not be found worse citizens because 
they obeyed the call which was made upon them, but will bring with them 
the obedience to lawful authority, the fidelity to duty, the courage and energy, 
thoy have learned and practised in the rugged school in which they have 
recently been trained. I commend them most cordially to the consideration 
of your Excellency and the patriotic people of jMassachusetts. 

From the 2oth of April, 1865, to the 7th of June, when its 
term of service was about to expire, the Fortieth was encamped at 
Manchester, two miles and a half from Richmond. On the ITth, it 
took transports en route for home. Arrived at Readville the 21st, 
and received pay and final discharge on the oOtli. 

We add the concluding paragraph of the official report : — 

Too much cannot be said of the men composing this regiment. There 
never was a case of desertion to the enemy ; and though often under a most 



406 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

trying fire, and called into duties deemed almost impossiljle, yet it can never 
be said that the Fortieth ever ran, or even showed the white feather. The 
only sad portion of our history is the memory of those left on many a hard- 
fought field, and, were they with us now, would make our existence but a 
long holiday of pleasure. 

POETY-FIRST REGIMENT. 

The Forty-first Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers was re- 
cruited at Camp Stanton ; and left the State, Nov. 5, 1862, under 
the following officers : — 

Colonel Thomas E. Chiekering. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... Ansel D. Wass. 

Major Lorenzo D. Sargent. 

Surgeon ' . Albert H. Blanchard. 

Assistant Surgeon .... John Blackmer. 

Chaplain Henry F. Lane. 

The regiment sailed from New York, Dec. 4, 1862, in " The 
North Star," having on board Major-Gen. Banks ; and, after a re- 
remarkably pleasant voyage, arrived at New Orleans on the 15th. 
Leaving Gen. Banks at that place, it proceeded next day, under Gen. 
Grover, on the expedition to Baton Rouge. A few shells from the 
iron-clad " Essex" caused a hasty retreat of the rebels, and the 
troops landed without opposition on the 17th. Here they re- 
mained until March 28, 1803 ; the ordinary routine of camp 
being temporarily broken up by an expedition, the result of which 
was the burning of a few bridges. From this time until it was 
organized as the Third Massachusetts Cavalry, its history must be 
given in brief. 

On the 28th of March, it advanced with Gen. Grover's division 
through the Lafourche country. On the 14th of April, was en- 
gaged in the battle of Irish Bend ; and arrived at Opelousas, via 
Vermilionville and Grand Chateau, April 20, having marched from 
Baton Rouge, a distance of over three hundred miles. Col. Chiek- 
ering was appointed military governor ; and the regiment was 
assigned to provost-duty, and to collecting the valuable products 
of the country. 

May 11, Col. Chiekering, with the troops at Opelousas, was 
ordered to Barre's Landing to establish there a military post, and 
was appointed commandant. 

During the term of its duty here and at Opelousas, the regiment 



THE FORTY-FIRST IN LOUISIANA. 407 

collected, and sent to New Orleans, vid Brashear, more than six 
thousand bales of cotton, large quantities of sugar and molasses, 
and at least ten thousand contrabands to work on the Government 
plantations in the Lafourche country. The force at Barre Landing, 
consisting of the Forty-first (now mounted rifles), seven regiments 
of infantry, and a section of artillery, left May 21 under command 
of Col. Chickering, conducting an immense train of army-wagons 
and contrabands in safety to Berwick, a distance of a hundred and 
five miles in five days. Li the afternoon of the 25th, near Franklin, 
the rear of the train was attacked by about twenty-five hundred 
Texas cavalry and two thousand infantry. This force was re- 
pulsed. The train was delivered to the quartermaster at Ber- 
wick, and the troops, with the exception of the Forty-first, 
sent to re-enforce Gen. Banks at Port Hudson. This regiment 
crossed to Berwick, and encamped on their old ground of April 9, 
on the Bayou Boeuf. Left by detachments on the 26th and 
31st of May. Arrived at Port-Hudson Plains, and united as a 
regiment, and were assigned to Gen. Grierson's command June 4. 
On the 17th, by Special Orders, No. 144, the regiment was organ- 
ized as the Third Massachusetts Cavalry. 

The outline of its services in this branch of the service will be 
found in its proper place. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

FORTY- SECOND, FORTY-THIRD, FORTY-FOURTH, AND 
FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENTS. 

Origin of the Fortj'-second. — Goes to Galveston, Texas. — A Gallant Affair. — Services 
in Texas and Mississippi. — The Return Home. — The " Tiger Regiment." — Repairs 
to Newborn. — Under Fire. — In Garrison. — Expeditions. — Term of Service expires. 
— Col. F. L. Lee of the Fourth Battalion and the Forty-fourth Regiment. — The Regi- 
ment sails for Newberu. — Fine Conduct in the Expedition to Tarborough. — Expedi- 
tion to Goldsborough. — Col. Lee's Report — The " Cadet Regiment." — Its Record 
as given by Col. Codman. 

FORTY- SECOND REGIMENT. 



THE Forty-second Regiment Massacluisetts Volunteers was 
originally the Second Regiment M.V.M., raised in Boston ; 
and left Camp Meigs, on its way to New Oiieans, Nov. 21, 1862. 
Its officers were, — 



Colonel . 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain 



Isaac S. Burrill. 
Joseph Steadman. 
Frederick G. Stiles. 
Ariel J. Curamings. 
Thomas B. Hitchcock. 
George J. Sanger. 



The regiment was in camp in East New York until the 2d of 
December ; when it broke camp, and next day embarked in four 
transports in Gen. Banks's expedition. It arrived at Ship Island 
on the 14tli, and at New Orleans on the IGth. Three companies 
of the regiment disembarked, and, under command of Col. Bur- 
rill, went into camp at Camp Mansfield. Doc. 19, Col. Burrill 
received orders from headquarters. Department of the Gulf, to 
proceed on board " The Saxon " with his detachment to Galveston, 
Texas, and take post; the remainder of his regiment to follow, 
on its arrival at New Orleans. On reaching Galveston, he was 
advised by Commodore Ronshaw and all the commanders of the 
gunboats to land at once, and take up quarters in a building on 
Xichun's Wiiarf. At tbe same time, the most positive assurances 

408 



CAPTURE OF THE "HARRIET LANE." 409 

were given by the naval officers of the enth-e safety of the position, 
and their own ability to repel any attack possible to be made on 
it; and, on several subsequent occasions, these assurances were 
repeated. 

On the 27th, a flag of truce from the enemy, bearing despatches to the 
British consul, was met by Adjutant Davis. On the night of the 27th, the 
enemy commenced transporting their troops and artillery across from Virginia 
Point, on the mainland, to Eagle Grove, on the island. From this time, their 
cavalry scouts nightly infested the town, and as often were they fired on and 
pursued by small parties sent out by Col. Burrill. 

On the evening of the 28th, it was reported that the enemy was advancing 
in force; and it was decided at once to make a reconnoissance, and determine 
the truth of the reports. The gunboats were notified of the intention, and 
signals agreed on in case of an encounter. 

On the 31st, it became evident that an attack was intended 
by the enemy. Next day, Col. Burrill's pickets were driven in ; 
and he instantly formed his men behind the barricades on the 
wharf, at the same time signalling the gunboats that the enemy 
were upon him. Fire was opened by artillery, which was respond- 
ed to by the gunboats. 

Two or three attempts to charge on and capture the position 
were made before daylight ; but each attempt was handsomely 
repulsed by the small force under Col. Burrill, their fire being 
so effective as to drive the enemy from some of his guns. Soon 
after daylight, four rebel gunboats and a ram were discovered 
making for the fleet. They succeeded in capturing " The Harriet 
Lane" after a short and determined engagement. At eiglit 
o'clock, A.M., a flag of truce was raised by the enemy on "The 
Harriet Lane " and on shore. This was responded to by the 
several gunboats, and finally by Col. Burrill on the wharf. Not 
having any information as to the cause for the flags of truce. Col. 
Burrill was desirous of communicating with the enemy to ascer- 
tain the reason of this proceeding; but, having no boat at his dis- 
posal, the project seemed hopeless. 

About this time, two refugees came along in a small boat, on their way to the 
fleet, to escape falling into the hands of the enemy; and, after much persuasion, 
they were induced to take x\djutant Davis into the boat ; and he was ordered 
by Col. Burrill to proceed to the flag-ship, and obtain the desired information ; 
also to got the gunboats to come up to the wharf, and take off his command, 
the enemy being too strong for him to contend with on shore. 

Adjutant Davis went on board " The Owasco ; " "The Westfield " being 

52 



410 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

aoTOuncl some three miles farther off. Commander Law, of " The Clifton," 

o 

had gone on board " The Westfield ; " and, while awaiting his return with an 
answer to his communication, Adjutant Davis saw, from the deck of the gun- 
boat, Col. Burrill, with his command, being marched off prisoners of war. 
Finding all hope of saving the men of the Forty-second completely cut off, par- 
ticularly as he was informed by Commander Law on his return that the gun- 
boats would proceed to sea immediately, Adjutant Davis remained with the 
fleet, and proceeded to New Orleans, and reported to Major-Gen. Banks the 
results of the unfortunate expedition. Meanwhile, Col. Burrill had been met 
by a rebel officer from Gen. Magruder, who demanded his surrender. Col. 
Burrill requested that a cessation of hostilities should continue for one hour, 
hoping in this time to get some answer to his communication to the fleet ; but 
was refused, and assured that he would be immediately attacked by the entire 
force of the enemy, of not less than five thousand men, and thirty-one pieces 
of artillery. Finding it folly to delay longer, and that the enemy were already 
bringing their batteries into position, he decided to capitulate. On offering 
his sword to the officer designated by Gen. Magruder to receive the sui-render, 
he was desired to keep it, in respect to his brave and able defence of his posi- 
tion against such an overwhelming force ; and, on being informed that the lit- 
tle band that stood before them were all the troops there, the rebels could 
scarcely believe it, and were surprised that they had held the position so well 
and so long. In token of their courage and bravery, it was ordered that 
all personal property of privates, as well as officers, should be respected, — a 
fact rarely equalled in the history of the war. The engagement was severe; 
but Col. Burrill's loss was comparatively slight. The loss of the enemy, by 
their own accounts, was between three and four hundred in killed and 
wounded. 

Jan. 13, 1863, the remaining seven companies under Lieut.- 
Col. J. Stedman were attached to the second brigade, second 
division, Nineteenth Army Corps. Jan. 15, Companies C and H 
were ordered to the defences of New Orleans. 

On the 4th of April, Capt. Leonard was ordered to organize, from among 
the contrabands then at work on the fortifications, a regiment of engineers, to 
be known as the First Louisiana Engineers. Great interest was taken in this 
work; and the kindly spirit and good will of the men of the Forty-second for 
their colored brethren in the field is amply evinced in the fact that no less 
than fourteen of its meritorious non-commissioned officers and privates were 
promoted to be commissioned officers in this regiment. The regiment con- 
sisted of twelve companies, of a hundred men each, and was commanded by 
Col. Justin Hodge, of the regular army. It was ordered to Port Hudson, 
where it took an important part in the subsequent siege of that place. 

On the 24th of January, 1863, Capt. George P. Davis, of Company K, and 
Lieut. T. II. Duncan, of Company F, were detached from the regiment, and 



THE FORTY-SECOND AT PORT HUDSON. 411 

ordered to report to the provost-marshal-general, Department of the Gulf. 
These officers met with marked success in that department, and were honor- 
ably spoken of by the general in command. 

In February, Company K, under command of Lieut. Harding, 
was detached from the regiment into the engineer department, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, as pontonicrs. 

On the 10th of March, they laid a bridge, one hundred feet 
long, at Bayou Montecino. On the 13th, the army commenced 
crossing, and advanced on the Port-Hudson Road ; on the 15th, 
recrossed, and returned to Baton Rouge. 

The company went up the Mississippi River, near Port Hudson, 
on a reconnoissance, later in the month ; built a bridge three hun- 
dred feet long early in April ; and, on the 12th, swung it across 
Bayou Teche, when the men proceeded to remove rebel obstruc- 
tions and torpedoes in the stream. 

On the 2od, returning to Brashear City during the succeeding 
fortnight, they were ordered to Washington, on the Courtableau 
River; thence to points on the Atchafalaya River ; and, May 21, 
to Port Hudson. 

Here the company laid a bridge under a hot fire from the fort 
and the rebel sharpshooters. The casualties in the company were 
few. The men remained at Port Hudson until its surrender ; 
when they marched in, and went into camp. Soon after, they 
proceeded to Donaldsonville, and laid a bridge two hundred and 
eighty feet long across Bayou Lafourche. 

Two hundred and thirty-seven enlisted men of the companies 
captured at Galveston, Tex., were paroled at Alexandria Feb. 
16 : they reached New Orleans the 18th, and were ordered to 
form a parole-camp at Bayou Gentilly, called " Camp Farr." 
Not being able to effect an exchange, they remained here inactive 
until the expiration of their term of service. The officers were 
kept in conhnement at Houston, Tex, Picket-stations along 
Lake Pontchartrain and the bayous emptying into it were held 
by companies under command of Capt. Coburn, while Lieut.-Col. 
Stedman was placed in command of stations along the Bayous 
Gentilly and St. John's. 

June 2, Companies A, C, and H, rejoined the regiment. On the 
9th, a detachment of one hundred men were attached to a bat- 
talion at Brashear City. Twenty men of this detachment were 
ordered on board " The Hollyhock " to accompany her on a short 
trip as sharpshooters. The remainder were under the command 



412 MASSACHUSETTS IN TEE REBELLION. 

of Lieut. B. C. Tinkham. These, together with portions of a 
New-York, a Connecticut, and a Maine regiment, were attacked 
at a bridge at Lafourche Crossing, and their communication with 
Brashear City cut off. Their force was increased to about five 
hundred men by the arrival of a portion of the Twenty-sixth 
Massaclmsetts and a New-York battery. We quote from official 
records : — 

A severe rain-storm set in, rendering the condition of the men extremely un- 
comfortable. About sunset, a section of artillery was ordered to advance some 
distance along the road beside the bayou ; and the detachment under Lieut. 
Tinkham was ordered to support it. They advanced some distance beyond ouv 
line of skirmishers, when the battery commenced firing : the enem.y replied, and 
soon artillery-firing became general. Under cover of darkness and the smoke, 
the enemy advanced to within a few rods of this section of artillery, and then, 
with a yell, charged on the line : the infantry with the artillery poured a raking 
fire into the rebel ranks ; and then, in accordance with previous orders, gal- 
lantly fought their way back to the main body of our troops, where they took 
position on the left of our line of battle, and faithfully held it until the action 
was ended. The battle raged hand-to-hand for some time ; and, although the 
enemy was superior in numbers, they were unable to break our lines, and 
were forced to retreat, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. The 
entire loss on our side was about twelve killed and forty wounded ; tliat of the 
enemy in killed and wounded, about two hundred. 

The o;ood management and enero-y of Lieut. Tinkham in this affiiir is to be 
commended. Through his coolness and bravery, he successfully covered the 
retreat of the battery to the main body, and prevented its guns from falling 
into the hands of the enemy, winning honorable mention from Lieut. -Col. 
Sawtelle, senior officer present, and commanding our troops at the time. 

June 24, by orders of Col. Cahill, commanding brigade, Lafourche Cross- 
ing was evacuated by our troops; and, on the 29th, the detachment rejoined 
the regiment at New Orleans. 

On the 23d of June, the enemy attacked and succeeded in cap- 
turing the garrison at Brashear City, among wliom was a detach- 
ment of forty-six men of this regiment. 

July 21, Company K, having been relieved from duty as pon- 
toniers, rejoined the regiment ; and, on the 28th, the remainder of 
Companies A and F also rejoined the regiment. July 31, all the 
arms, equipments, camp and garrison equipage, were turned over 
to the proper officers of the Department of the Gulf, and the regi- 
ment ordered aboard tlie Government transport " Continental " 
for transportation North, arriving at New York Aug. 8. It was 
transferred to the steamer " Commodore," and left the same day, 
vid Providence, for Boston, arriving there on the 10th. 



THE FORTY-THIRD AT BEAUFORT. . 413 

The regiment was furloughecl until Aug. 20 ; when it assembled at Read- 
ville, ancf was mustered out of the United-States service. The service of the 
regiment, although varied, was well performed; and this report should not 
close without some praise for the enlisted men in its ranks. Whatever duty 
they were called upon to perform was faithfully executed. Thoroughly imbued 
with the principle of the noble general in whose corps they were placed, — that 
" success is duty," —they always, on all occasions, cheerfully labored for suc- 
cess, that duty might be done. 



FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

The Forty-third Regiment, familiarly known as the "Tiger 
Regiment," was recruited chiefly through the influence of the 
second battalion, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, first brigade, 
first division. The battalion formed the nucleus of the regiment; 
and many of the officers were connected with it in one capacity 
or another. The battalion volunteered for the nine-months' ser- 
vice, and was sent to Camp Meigs, Readville, where it remained 
until it was recruited to a maximum regiment, and its officers 
elected and commissioned. 

It was officered as follows : — 

Colonel Charles L. Holbrook. 

Lieutenant- Colonel .... John C. Whiton. 

Major Everett Lane. 

Surqeon ...... A. Carter Webber. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Augustus Mason. 

Chaplain Jacob M. Manning. 

On the 24th of October, 1862, it received orders to join the army 
of Major-Gen. Foster at Newbern, N.C. ; and left Boston in trans- 
ports,' together with the Forty-fifth and Forty -sixth Regiments, for 
its destination. While the transports with the three regiments on 
board were in Boston Harbor, they were detained several days by 
a severe storm, which caused much suflering among the troops. 
The regiments arrived at Newbern, however, without any serious 
mishap, or loss of life ; and were ordered into camp about two miles 
north of the city, on the banks of the Trent. 

Nov. 30, 1862, Company C, commanded by Capt. William B. 
Fowle, jun., of Boston, was detached from the regiment, and 
ordered to Beaufort, N.C. ; where it remained, doing good service, 
until the 4tli of March, 1863, when it reported back to the regi- 
ment. The regiment joined in the expedition to Goldsborough 



414 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

under Major-Geii. J. G. Foster. It was under fire, Dec. 14, at the 
battle of Kinston, but fortunately without any injury. 

Dec. K), it was again under fire, at the battle of Whitehall, 
where it lost one killed, and three or four wounded. Dec. 17, it 
was detached from the main column, and sent, with a section of 
artillery and one company of cavalry, to Spring-bank Bridge, dis- 
tant from the main road some seven or eight miles, where it found 
the enemy in small force. It drove them across the bridge, and 
then burned it. The regiment lost one man killed, and one 
severely wounded. The latter died shortly after from the effects, 
of his wound. On the morning of Dec. 18, it received orders to 
join the main column, which was on its return from Goldsbor- 
ough. The regiment reached camp at Newborn, Nov. 21, without 
further casualties ; where it remained till Jan. 17, 1863. Dec. 31, 
1862, Companies A, D, and E, were detached from the regiment, 
and ordered on picket-duty at Batchelder's Creek, aljout ten miles 
from camp ; where they remained till Jan. 11, 1863, when they 
reported back to the regiment. They were under the command 
of Capt. T. G. Whytal, of Company D. 

During the winter of 1863, the Forty-third, in company with 
other regiments, made several reconnoissances, not important in 
their results. On the 7th of April, it joined an expedition, under 
Gen. Spinoza, to Little Washington. It followed the Seventeenth 
Massachusetts, which had the advance ; and came up with the ene- 
my at Blount's Creek about noon of the 9th. After a short artillery 
duel (the Forty-third supporting the battery), it was ordered to 
retreat, and, after a severe march, reached camp on the afternoon 
of the 10th. The official account says, — 

April 11, it proceeded on board the steamer "Thomas Collier" to the 
blockade on the Pamlico, below Little Washington, where the vessel lay at 
anchor until the 14th. On the night of the 13th, a call for volunteers having 
been made to man three schooners loaded with provisions and ammunition to run 
the blockade, thirty men of this regiment were selected. They succeeded, 
and were very highly complimented by the commanding general for their 
skill and bravery. 

April 17, under orders, the regiment embarked on board steamer " Escort," 
and sailed for Little Washington, which it reached on the afternoon of the 
18th. The regiment was engaged in garrison and picket duty at Little 
Washington till the 24th, when it was ordered to embark on board steamer 
"Long Island;" stopping at Hill's Point, and taking off three companies, 
under command of Major Lane, who had occupied the place since the raising 
of the siege. It proceeded to Newbern, reaching camp about two o'clock, a.m., 



THE FORTY-THIRD AT FORTRESS MONROE. 415 

of the 25tb. On the 27th, under orders, it proceeded to Cove Creek, about 
ten miles towards Kinston, where it remained till May 1 ; when it was 
ordered back to camp at Newbem, where it remained till Juno 24. during 
which time heavy details were made from the regiment to build fortitications, 
military roads, &c. 

June 24, under orders, and at short notice, all the able-bodied men of the 
regiment embarked on board transports, and proceeded to Fortress Monroe, 
; where the regiment arrived on the 27th, and, after procuring rations, proceeded 
on the same transports to White-House Landing, on the Pamunkey Iliver, 
and reported to Gen. Dix. On the 29th, it was ordered back to Fortress Mon- 
roe to await orders from Washington, D.C. It arrived at Fortress Monroe 
on the 30th, and went into camp at Hampton, where it remained until July 2 ; 
when, at the colonel's request, orders were received to proceed to Balti- 
more, and report to Gen. Schenck. Embarking on board steamer " Kenne- 
bec," it reached Baltimore about noon of the 3d July. On the morning 
of the 4th of July, it was ordered into Camp Bradford, on the outskirts of 
the city, where it remained till the 7th ; when it received orders to report to 
Gen. Naglee, who, understanding there was some dissatisfaction in the regi- 
ment on account of the expiration of its term of service, issued an order, leav- 
ing it optional with the men to go to the front or return home. Under this 
order, two hundred and three officers and men voted to go to the front. The 
others came home to receive a cold welcome from their friends. The former 
proceeded to Sandy Hook under command of Lieut. -Col. John C. Whiton (the 
colonel being detained at Baltimore), where they arrived on the 9th of July. 
They were ordered to bivouac in that place, and do provost-duty ; which duty 
they performed until the 18th, when an ord^r was received highly compli- 
menting the regiment for the manner in which it had performed the duties 
required, and ordering them to Boston to be mustered out of sei'vice.. The 
regiment left Sandy Hook, Md., on the 18th of July, and arrived at Boston 
on the 21st. It was mustered out of the service of the United States 
July 30, 1863. 

FORTY-FOUETH EEGIMENT. 

The Forty-fourth regiment was recruited by Col. Francis L. 
Lee, Major of the Fourth Battalion, First Brigade, First Division, 
]\r.V.M. ; and many of the officers were members of that organi- 
zation. Nearly the whole battalion volunteered in a body, and 
were ordered to Camp Meigs, Readville, to recruit to a regiment. 
Like the Twenty-fourth, the Forty-fourth was familiarly known as 
the New-England Guards. The other officers were as follows : — 



Lieutenant -Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain 



Edward C. Cabot. 
Charles W. Dabney. 
Robert Ware. 
Theodore W. Fisher. 
Edmund H. Hall. 



416 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

On the 2cl of October, it received orders to proceed by transports 
from Boston to Newborn, N.C., and report for duty to Major-Gen. 
Foster (but did not leave until Oct. 22) ; where it arrived without 
any accident. 

This regiment took part in the expedition from Newbern to 
Tarborough, three days after its arrival. It had been mustered into 
service only six weeks previous to its receiving orders to proceed 
on this expedition. It suffered considerably in the long and rapid 
marches, and exposure to snow and rain, which the men bore with 
patience. Gen. Foster remarked that they were the gayest of 
all the troops, and greeted him with cheers whenever he came in 
sight. The regiment was engaged in the fight near Williamston. 
Two companies were sent off' on a detour towards Tarborough 
with a company of cavalry, and had an exchange of shots with the 
enemy. They were under fire, in the dark, in the middle of a 
stream. The enemy, concealed by a wooded bank, fired into 
them for some time. They behaved to the entire satisfaction of 
their colonel and of Gen. Stevenson. 

In the various skirmishes on their way to Goldsborough, they 
also behaved well. Gen. Stevenson, speaking of the expedition to 
Tarborough, said, the only time that the whole regiment Avas under 
fire, that amounted to any thing, was at Whitehall, where he hap- 
pened to be stationed at the time. It would have been impossible 
for any regiment to have done better than they did. He ordered 
them into position, and they obeyed with perfect coolness, although 
under fire : not a single man hung back. 

This regiment presents, as do so many others, noteworthy 
instances of the patriotic devotion of Massachusetts men. Rich- 
ard Depeyster gave up a good salary, and came from New 
York to Boston to enlist in the Forty-fourth regiment. He was 
rejected by the surgeon for near-sightedness, as he had been 
before by the surgeon of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts ; but, 
not daunted by this rejection, he made a bargain with Capt. 
Smith, of Company H, to go as volunteer private, withovit bounty, 
without pay, even paying all his personal expenses. In select- 
ing a few of the most trustworthy men to act as stretcher-bearers. 
Col. Lee included Depeyster ; and, in the discharge of his duty at 
the fight near Williamston, he lost his arm. 

There have been thousands of patriots in our army : Depeyster 
should certainly be enrolled among them. 

In the Goldsborough expedition, the Forty-fourth regiment was 
under fire at the skirmish near Kinston, and, the next day, some 



THE FORTY-FOURTH IN NORTH CAROLINA. 417 

fifteen miles beyond that town, — at Whitehall Bridge. Col. Lee 
writes, — 

They marched across a high field parallel to the River Neuse, under fire 
of artillery. Two men were killed ; but the men did not falter or check, but 
filed down into a lower field and across it under fire of musketry, and took 
position behind a rail-fence on the river-bank. Men all cool and obedient. 
Found where most of the fire came from, — a little intrenchment to the right 
of my right wing. Made the men load lying down, and kneeling behind 
fence, and fire, sometimes in volleys, and sometimes at will, quieting the 
enemy's fire, though they kept up a hot fire on both right and left of right 
wing ; left wing coolly lying down and holding their fire, occasionally firing 
if they saw any thing. We retired at about two, p.m.; and I was proud of 
the officers and men. Our loss was eight killed and thirteen wounded. 

The expedition returned to Newbern on the 20th of December. 
There the Forty-fourth remained until Feb. 1, 1863, when it left 
for Plymouth. A few days later, it went upon a foraging expedition, 
seized several tons of provisions prepared for rebel consumption, 
and returned to Newbern on the 10th. Companies F and B re- 
ported to Col. Jones, Fifty-eighth, for picket-duty on Batch- 
elder Creek : remained there until May 1, and reported back to 
the regiment. The remaining companies started for Washington, 
N.C., March 15 ; and the siege of that place by Gens. Hill and 
Garnett, with from twelve to fifteen thousand troops, commenced 
March 30. We quote again from Col. Lee's report: — 

Gen. Foster arrived there on the morning of March 30 ; and Companies A 
and G, under command of Capt. James M. Richardson, supported by one 
howitzer, in charge of Lieut. Hamilton, Third Regiment New- York Artillery, 
made a reconnoissance across the river to ascertain the position of the enemy. 
They were repulsed by the enemy in large force, leaving three men wounded, 
prisoners, one mortally, and bringing back Capt. Richardson, dangerously 
wounded, upon the gun-carriage. The rebels commenced bombardment on 
the 1st of April, and fired their last shot on the 15th of April, falling back dis- 
couraged ; and the siege was raised April 16. On the 17th April, Major 
Charles W. Dabney, jun., of this regiment, with Companies C, D, and I, sup- 
ported by gunboat " Commodore Hull," landed at Hill's Point, and occupied 
the rebel battery, destroying portions of their work, and building the intrench- 
ments necessary to guard against an attack from the land side. On the 22d 
of April, the eight companies started for Newbern, arriving there upon the 
24th, and relieving the Forty-fifth regiment M. V. M. on provost-duty, 
which they performed until June 6, when they left for Boston, arriving there 
June 10. The troops went to camp at Readville June 15, and were mus- 
tered out of service of the United States June 18, 1863. 

53 



418 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION: 

The following is a worthy testimonial to a noble man, the repre- 
sentative, in self-denial and sacrifice, of a large number of his pro- 
fession. The colonel says, — 

Among our losses, none fell more heavily than when in Washington, April 
11, 1863, we followed to his grave our well-beloved surgeon, Robert Ware. 
He fell a victim to his fidelity to duty ; not simply duty dictated by order, 
but the lai-ge heart of a kind and devoted Christian man. Disease was mak- 
ing havoc among the negroes of the town ; and Ware, ever thoughtful, ever 
alive to the dictates of his sensitive conscience, hastened to their relief, and 
spent many weary hours watching by them, and ministering to their wants, 
until, worn and weary, he fell a victim to the very disease from which he had 
rescued so many of these helpless and dependent people ; dying on the 10th of 
April, 1863. He will ever live in their hearts and memories as in ours ; and 
may we remember his example ! 

In justice to his regiment, Col. Lee appends to his report copies 
of farewell orders of the commanding general. Space will per- 
mit us to select but two of these. In a letter dated June 13, 
1863, Gen. Stevenson writes, — 

You can always look back with pride and satisfaction at having had the 
honor to lead such a spendid body of men. 

Gen. Foster's farewell order is as follows : — 

Headquartees Eighteenth Corps, 

Newbekn, .June 5, 1863. 

Special Orders, Nos. 160 and 17. 

The commandmg general, in bidding farewell to the Forty-fourth Regiment 
M.V.M., conveys to them his high appreciation of and thanks for their ser- 
vices whilst in this department. 

As a part of the garrison of Washington, and in the various duties to 
which they have been assigned, they have always fully done their duty as 
soldiers. 

The commanding general, in parting, expresses his hopes to officers and 
men that he may have the pleasure of welcoming their return here ; and ten- 
ders them, one and all, his best and kindest wishes for the future. 

By command of MAJOR-GEN. J. G. FOSTER, 

S. EoFFiiMS, Assistant Acljutant -General. 

FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 

The Forty-fifth regiment, like the Forty-fourth, was recruited at 
Camp Meigs, Readville. It was known as the Cadet Regiment ; 
deriving its appellation from the fact that Col. Codman, Lieut.- 
Col. Peabody, Major Sturgis, and several of the line-officers, had 



THE FORTY-FIFTH AT THE BATTLE OF KINSTON. 419 

held commissions in or had been prominently connected with the 
First Company of Cadets, First Division, M.V.M. In its roster 
were the following names : — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant- Colonel 

Major 

Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 

Chaplain 



C. R. Codman. 
0. W. Peabody. 
Russell Sturgis. 
Samuel Kneeland. 
J. K. Treadwell. 
A. L. Stone. 



For the record of its services, we quote entire the following let- 
ter from Col. Codman. The narrative is soldier-like, brief, and to 
the point, indicating a willingness on the part of the writer, and of 
the noble band of men whom he commanded, " to be known by 
their works." Col. Codman writes, under date Nov. 27, 1863,— 

Orders were received iu November, 1862, for the regiment to proceed to 
Newbern, N.C., and rei^rt to Major-Gen. John G. Foster, then in com- 
mand of the Department of North Carolina ; and it accordingly embarked, 
in company with the Forty-third and Forty-sixth Massachusetts Volunteer 
lAIilitia, on the 5th day of November. After a tedious detention by a 
storm in Boston Harbor, the steamer " Mississippi " arrived at Morehead 
City, N.C., upon the 14th of November, bearing two companies of the 
Forty-sixth Regiment and the entire Forty-fifth Regiment. Upon the after- 
noon of tha't day, this regiment proceeded by train to Newbern, where I 
reported to Gen. Foster, and was assigned by him to the brigade commanded 
by Col. T. J. C. Amory, of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers, 
which was at that time composed of the Twenty-third and Seventeenth Massa- 
chusetts Volunteers. The Forty-third and Fifty-first Massachusetts Volun- 
teer Militia were subsequently added to the brigade. 

This regiment remained encamped on the banks of the Trent, two miles 
south of Newbern, until the 12th of December. During this time the men 
were thoroughly drilled, and exercised in battalion and brigade movements. 
On the 29th of November, Capt. Minot's company was detailed to proceed to 
Morehead City, and occupy that post. Capt. Murdock's company was subse- 
quently sent to Fort Macon, to form a portion of the garrison of that post. 

The remaining eight companies of the regiment marched as a portion of 
Gen. Foster's force upon the expedition to Goldsborough, breaking camp on 
the 12th of December. On the 14th occurred the battle of Kinston, 
in which the rebels, under Gen. Evans, were totally defeated by our 
forces, and Kinston- was occupied by our army. This regiment was hotly 
engaged, and sustained severe loss ; fifteen men being killed, and forty-three 
wounded. The soldiers behaved with the greatest steadiness and gallantry, 
and, though exposed to a galUng cross-fire, advanced resolutely through a 



420 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

dense wood and swamp upon the enemy, who were unable to withstand theh* 
attack. 

Upon the 16th of December, the regiment again suflfered, at the battle of 
Whitehall, a loss of four killed and sixteen wounded. Among the killed was 
the gallant Sergeant Theodore Parkman of Boston, who bore the United-States 
colors. The regiment was not actively engaged in the battle of Goldsborough. 
The railroad bridge over the Neuse was burned, and thus the object of the 
expedition attained. The army returned to Newbern after the battle of Golds- 
borough, and the Forty-fifth took possession of its old camp on the 21st day 
of December. 

Upon the 3d of January, 1863, Capt. Eich's company was ordered to re- 
lieve Capt. JMinot's company at Morehead City ; and the latter company 
rejoined the regiment on the 4th day of January. Capt. Rich's company 
was subsequently transferred to Fort Macon. On the 17th day of January, 
the brigade proceeded upon a reconnoissance towards Trenton, which place 
was occupied ; but, after being absent five days, the troops returned to camp 
without having found the enemy. 

Upon the 26th of January, the regiment was transferred to the town of 
Newbern, where it acted as the provost-guard until the 25th of April. It 
was then moved out of town, and encamped near the mouth of the Trent, on 
the south side of the Neuse. Capt. Murdock's company was about this time 
relieved from duty at Fort Macon, and placed in Fort Spinola, near the regi- 
ment. 

During the month of April, Col. Amory's brigade made a reconnoissance 
towards Kmston ; and this regiment, with the Seventeenth Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers, was engaged in a brisk skinnish on the railroad, which is described in 
the ofiicial report of May 1, 1863. 

During the remainder of the term of service, the regiment remained 
encamped near Fort Spinola. Capt. Murdock's company having rejoined the 
regiment, Capt. Eich's company was transferred from Fort Macon to Fort 
Spinola. 

Upon the 24th day of June, the regiment broke camp, and proceeded to 
Morehead City, and then embarked for Boston in the steamers " Spalding" 
and "Tillie." Arriving at Fortress Monroe on the 26th, the vessels sailed 
for Boston on the 27th, arriving the 30th. On the 8th day of July, the 
regiment was mustered out of the service of the United States at Eeadville. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



THE FORTY- SIXTH, FORTY- SEVENTH, AND FORTY-EIGHTH 

REGIMENTS. 

Rev. George Bowler's Regiment. — Ordered to Newbem. — Washington and Plymouth. — 
Re-enlistment. — Maryland Heights. — Return Home. — The Forty-seventh reciniited 
by L. B. Marsh, Esq. — Sails for New Orleans. — Col. Marsh's Report. — A faithful 
Chaplain. — Home Again. — The Forty-eighth. — Peculiar in Formation. — Goes to 
New Orleans. — Port Hudson. — Baton Rouge. — Returns to the Old Bay State. 

FORTY- SIXTH REGIMENT, 

THE Forty-sixth Regiment was recruited in the county of 
Hampden, chiefly through the exertions of Rev. Mr. Bowler, 
who was subsequently elected its colonel. Its place of rendezvous 
was Camp N. P. Banks, in the vicinity of Springfield, of which 
Col. Walker, of Springfield, was appointed commandant. 
Its roster was as follows : — 



Colonel . 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain 



George Bowler. 
William S. Sbuilleff. 
Lucius B. Walkley. 
James H. Waterman. 
Thomas Gilfillan. 
George W. Gorham. 



On the 1st of November it received orders to come to Boston, and 
proceed to Newbern, N.C. This is one of the regiments that were 
detained in the harbor by a storm ; but, like the Forty-third and 
Forty-fifth, it arrived at Newbern safely, and went into camp near 
that city, Nov. 15, and was immediately assigned to the brigade 
commanded by Col. H. C. Lee, of the Twenty-seventh Massa- 
chusetts. 

Companies A and K were detached very soon after their arrival, 
and assigned to outpost duty at Newport Barracks, a station on 
the railroad between Newbern and Beaufort. The rest of the 
regiment remained in camp until the organization of the Golds- 
borough Expedition in December, in which, and the engagement 



421 



422 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION: 

with the eneni}^ that occurred in that successful movement, it took 
part. 

After the expedition, the regiment returned to its old camp- 
ing-ground, where it remained until Jan. 23, when camp was 
changed to a position near the intersection of the Trent and Neuse 
Koads, in Newbern. At this time, Company A was relieved from 
outpost-duty at Newport Barracks by Company F, Capt. R. H. 
Conwell, and rejoined the regiment. From this time until March 
13, the regiment was chiefly occupied in drill ; furnishing, however, 
daily, large fatigue-parties for the work of fortification, then being 
actively carried on. 

On the loth of March, the enemy commenced what seemed a 
determined attempt to repossess himself of Newbern, in resistance 
to which the Forty-sixth was assigned an honorable position, 
being ordered just at sundown of the 13th, with the Twenty-fifth 
and Fifth Massachusetts and Belger's battery, the whole under 
command of H. C. Lee, to hold in check a column of the enemy 
demonstrating in great force upon the Trent Road, which liad 
already driven in the advance pickets, and gained possession of 
an outpost at Deep Gully, about eight miles from Newbern. While 
upon this duty, and when upon the very eve of an encounter with 
the enemy (the skirmishers of our force Ijeing actually engaged), 
heavy cannonading in the direction of Newbern announced that 
the enemy had commenced operations in other quarters ; and 
orders almost simultaneously came from Gen. Foster, recalling 
the main portion of our forces to the city, the enemy having 
attacked an outpost on tlie northerly side of the Neuse. Accord- 
ingly, this regiment, with the Fifth Massachusetts, was at once 
withdrawn by Gen. Palmer, commanding our division, and, as 
speedily as possible, were marched back, and assigned a position 
within the lines of our intrenchments. They reached their camp 
about twelve o'clock at noon the 14th of March, and remained under 
arms until five o'clock, p.m. ; when they were again sent out upon 
the same road to re-enforce Col. Amory, who, with part of his bri- 
gade, had an hour before proceeded to occupy the same position 
held by us in the morning. This time, however, we had only to 
observe and follow a retreating enemy. 

Returning from this pursuit, which lasted three days, the regi- 
ment was sent with the twenty-fifth Massachusetts, on the 26th 
of March, to re-enforce the garrison at Plymouth, N.C., then 
threatened by a force of the enemy. The whole land-force was 
under the command of Col. Josiah Pickett of the Twenty-fifth 



THE FORTY-SIXTH AT NEWBERN. 423 

Massachusetts, and applied itself to the work of strengthening the 
fortifications. Meanwhile, Washington, about twenty-five miles 
distant in a southerly direction, was besieged by the enemy. 

During this cighteen-days' siege, and always within hearing of 
its cannonading, the force at Plymouth, anxious for tlie result, and 
confidently waiting its turn, was occupied in constructing fortifi- 
cations and preparing for defence against a daily-expected attack ; 
but the defeated and discouraged enemy retired, and Plymouth 
was thoroughly fortified undisturbed. 

Soon after the siege of Washington was raised, the department 
was districted, and the " District of the Roanoke," including Plym- 
outh, was assigned to the command of Brig.-Gen. Wessels ; and 
our entire force, with the exception of Capt. Lee's battery, was 
relieved by his brigade, and ordered back to Newborn ; where the 
Forty-sixth went into barracks on the Neuse River, near its old 
camping-ground. During their stay here, the infantry force was 
employed in strengthening the fortifications, with the exception 
of the time occupied by a successful expedition to Gum Swamp, 
eight miles from Kinston. 

During the absence of the regiment at Plymouth, the detach- 
ment left at Newborn under command of Major Spooner, consist- 
ing of Company A, Capt. Tifft, and Company I, Capt. Leonard, 
took active part in the defence of Newborn against the second 
threatened attack. The two companies were also, just previous 
to the return of the regiment, assigned to outpost duty at Batch- 
elder's Creek, about eight miles from Newborn, being attached to 
the command of Col. Jones, commanding our line of outposts. 
The two companies continued on this duty until June 1, when they 
were relieved by Companies C and H, and rendered most gallant 
service in holding the position against an attack made by a large 
force of the enemy on the night of the 2od of May, for which they 
have failed to receive their full meed of praise, because of the 
death of tiie much-lamented Col. Jones, killed in their midst in 
defence of the post. The valor of Capt. Tifft in this affair is 
mentioned with special approbation. At the head of Companies 
A and I, he held his position at the extreme front of the line until 
re-enforced by Col. Jones and part of his regiment. After the 
fall of Col. Jones, and when the whole force, with the exception 
of his command, demoralized by the death of the colonel, had fallen 
back, and taken a position nearly two miles in the rear, Capt. TifFt, 
not having received orders from any superior officer to retreat, 
held his position \mtil discovered, and relieved by re-enforcements 
from the rear. Wrote the colonel, — 



424 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Here, as proper in point of time, I desire to chronicle a fact highly credit- 
able to the regiment, and refutive of slander in newspaper columns against 
nine-months' troops in reference to their discontent in the matter of determin- 
ing the date of the expiration of their term of ser\nce. The nine months of 
service, reckoning from the date of their muster into service of five of the 
companies of the Forty-sixth Regiment, expired on the 25th day of June. It 
had been decided at the War Department that the term must be reckoned 
from the day of muster-in of the last or tenth company. This rule lengthened 
the term of service of five of the companies nearly five weeks, of four others 
two weeks, and also materially lengthened the terms of several other of the 
nine-months' regiments. 

Gen. Foster being apprised of this, and understanding that it was consid- 
ered unfair by some of the men of the various regiments affected, issued a 
circular, stating that, ' ' in order that no ground of complaint or dissatisfaction 
might exist, any company of any regiment that should make a request there- 
for through its captain, and approved by its colonel, should be sent home in 
season to be mustered out at the expiration of nine months from the day of its 
muster-in," irrespective of the day of muster-in of any other company. This 
offer, to men longing for home, and home friends (many sick, and all weary 
and worn, the most unhealthy season of the year upon them, a decimating 
epidemic raging in their midst), was tempting; but I am proud to say that 
Massachusetts was not disgraced by its acceptance : the offer was declined. 

At this period of the history of the regiment, Col. Fraiikle com- 
menced at Newbern to recruit his regiment of heavy artillery 
(Second Massachusetts) ; and something over one hundred of the 
Forty-sixth re-enlisted under his command. At midnight of the 
23d of June, orders were received for the regiment to pre- 
pare to embark at four hours' notice, with necessary equipage 
only, for Fortress Monroe, there to report to Gen. Foster, who had 
already gone on ; or, in his absence, to Gen. Prince ; and, in the 
absence of both, to report by telegram to Gen. Halleck at Wash- 
ington for orders. The Pennsylvania raid of Gen. Lee having 
been commenced, and Gen. Dix being engaged in a demonstration 
on Richmond by way of the Pamunkey River, the destination of 
the Forty-sixth was to join him. But it was ascertained that he 
did not desire troops whose term of service had so nearly expired, 
and Gen. Naglee proposed that the regiments volunteer for service 
in Pennsylvania during the emergency. The suggestion was adopt- 
ed ; and the Forty-sixth, Fifty-first, and Eighth Massachusetts were 
ordered to report to Gen. Schenck at Baltimore. Arriving July 1, 
they were assigned to the brigade of Gen E. B. Tyler, and sta- 
tioned at Camp Bradford. 

July 6, the Forty-sixth was attached to a brigade under com- 



THE FORTY-SIXTH MUSTERED OUT. 425 

mand of Gen. H. S. Briggs, and ordered to report to Gen. French 
at Frederick, Md. It was sent thence to Maryland Heights, where 
it arrived July 7, and remained until July 11, when, with the 
rest of the brigade, it was ordered to join the Army of the Poto- 
mac at Funkstown, and was attached to the First Corps. The 
Forty-sixth continued with the First Corps until the morning of 
the day that the army crossed the river at Berlin ; when, while 
on the march, orders unexpectedly came for it to immediately 
proceed by the shortest route to the place of general rendezvous 
of regiments in Massachusetts, its term having expired, there to 
be mustered out of the service. Within fifty miles of the river, 
the regiment filed out of the column, and its campaigning was 
over. 

Proceeding by the shortest route, via Baltimore and New York, 
it reached Springfield on the morning of the 21st of July ; and the 
regiment was furloughed for one week, to give time for the prep- 
aration of the muster-rolls ; at the expiration of v;^hich the regi- 
ment assembled at Hampden Park, in Springfield, and was duly 
mustered out of service by Capt. Gardner, United-States muster- 
ing-officer. 

FORTY- SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

The Forty-seventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers was re- 
cruited chiefly by Lucius B. Marsh, Esq., a well-known Boston 
merchant. It received marching-orders at Camp Meigs, Readville, 
Nov. 29, 1862 ; proceeded to New York, and took shipping for New 
Orleans. Its officers were, — 

Colonel ...... Lucius B. Marsh. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... Albert Stickney. 

Major . . . . . . . A. S. Cushman. 

Surgeon . . . . . . John Blackmer. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . . F. W. Mercer. 

Chaplain . ..... G. F. Hepworth. 

The Forty-seventh, with other regiments and Gen. Banks's staff, 
nearly two thousand persons in all, embarked on board the steam- 
ship " Mississippi " Dec. 21, and sailed from New- York Harbor 
next day. The colonel was military commandant. We quote Col. 
Marsh's report, omitting unimportant particulars : — 

After a very' pleasant voyage of eight days, we arrived at Ship Islaud, and 
immediately sailed for New Orleans. Arrived there the evening of the thii'ty- 

54 



426 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE EEBELLION. 

first day of December, and reported to Gen. Banks the morning of the 1st of 
January, 1863. The command was then referred to Gen. Auger, who gave 
verbal orders to proceed to Carrollton, and report to Gen. T. W. Sherman. 
We arrived the evening of the same day, and the nest morning reported 
in accordance with orders; disembarked, and went into camp at Carroll- 
ton, Jan. 2. The colonel was in command of this camp (Camp Kearney). 
The reo-iment was ordered, Jan. 11, to proceed to the United-States bar- 
racks; °and immediately marched there, a distance of thirteen miles, and 
were hospitably received by Lieut.-Col. Bullock, who, with the Thirtieth 
Massachusetts Volunteers, was stationed at the barracks. The regiment 
received orders, Jan. 12, to move to the Louisiana Lower Cotton Press; and 
arrived there the afternoon of the same day, a distance of about three and a 

half miles. 

Jan. 14, received orders to reheve the Thu'tieth Massachusetts Kegiment 
at the United-States barracks ; and we took possession of them the same day. 
The colonel was put in command of the post. The place was of some im- 
portance, being in command of the lower part of the city. A company was 
detailed by Gen. Banks as guard for commissary and ordnance stores, repoi-t- 
ino- daily ; and did not join the regiment until it was ordered home. 

Feb. 4, the reo-iment moved in obedience to orders to the Louisiana Cot- 
ton Press. Company E was detached for provost-duty at Thibodeaux. 

On representation of the colonel, to the commanding general, of the legal 
and miUtary ability of Lieut.-Col. Stickney and Major Austin S. Cushmau, 
they were detailed for special duty. Lieut.-Col. Stickney, who was most of 
the time in active service in the field, was for a time in command of the 
United-States forces at Brashear City, and distinguished himself in two en- 
gagements at Thibodeaux on the 20th and 21st of June, completely routmg 
the enemy, whose forces greatly outnumbered his command. His loss was 
ten killed, and forty wounded ; that of the enemy, above four hundred killed 
and wounded. Major Austin S. Cushman had an important position upon 
the Sequestration Committee, where his legal ability and business qualifica- 
tion made him eminently useful to the Government. 

March 12, the regiment was ordered to the IMetarie Race-course ; a delight- 
ful spot to look upon, but considered one of the most unhealthy in all the 
South. It is four miles from the Mississippi, and three from Lake Pontchar- 
train, and is regarded as the strategic point of the city. 

The colonel was in command of this post. Here the Forty-seventh gained 
a most excellent reputation for discipline and drill. Companies D and H 
were twice across Lake Pontchartrain, and were successful in capturing a 
steamboat and schooner, also a large amount of cotton, &c. Having remained 
at this post ten weeks, and all the time without a guard to keep the men 
inside the lines, and using its guard for its protection fi-om without and for 
pickets, it was, on the 19th of May, ordered to Camp Parapet ; the colonel 
to relieve Gen. Dorr, and take command of the United-States forces at that 
place and the defence o. 



THE FORTY-SEVENTH IN LOUISIANA. 427 

The colonel recruited a company of colored men to be used in the swamps, 
which became the nucleus of the Second Regiment Engineers, which 
was nearly full when the Forty-seventh returned home. This regiment was 
largely officered by members of the Forty-seventh. There was at this post 
a large contraband cp.mp. The lines of defence were about thirty miles. 
The immediate defences consisted of the parapet, two and a half miles 
long, situated on the east side of the river, running from the Missis.sippi to 
the swamps and Lake Pontchartrain ; and, on the west side of the river. Fort 
Banks, and a canal and a militai'y road to be guarded and scouted, a distance 
of twelve to seventeen miles, through the swamps to the lake. This important 
post was held under peculiar circumstances during the siege of Port Hudson. 
As there were six hospitals belonging to the different regiments represented 
above, the services of Drs. Blackmer and Mercer cannot be too highly 
spoken of ; also that of the chaplain, the Rev. E. W. Clark, who was con- 
stantly with the regiment and with the command at this post, doing what he 
could for the moral and rehgious welfare of the officers and men. He devoted 
himself to the sick in the different hospitals, encouraging the men by act and 
word with all the kindness and affection of ajtrue minister of our holy religion; 
receiving the last words and writing letters to friends, which, to dying soldiers, 
was a cordial to their fainting spirits. Deaths here were of daily occurrence ; 
and sometimes he was called upon to officiate several times on the same 
day, committing the bodies of the noble Northern boys to sleep in the soil 
of the sunny South- All soldiers connected with the Forty-seventh, or under 
the command of its colonel, received at their decease a Christian burial. 
The regiment was ordered home on the thu'd day of August, and sailed in 
the steamer " Continental," Aug. 5, from CarroUton. Arrived at Cairo 
Aug. 13. Proceeded to Boston by rail : arrived on the morning of the 18th, 
and received a most gratifying reception by the city of Boston, with a warm 
welcome by his Honor the Mayor. The regiment was furloughed for thirteen 
days, and was mustered out of service at Readville, Sept. 1, by Capt. Brown. 

The regiment lost by death, during its absence, twenty-three, and left forty- 
seven at New Orleans who were thought to be unable to come by land. 
One of them died : the others came home safely. The regiment had about 
one hundred and ten officers and men detailed on special service most of 
the time, and filled some of the most important and useful positions in connec- 
tion with the department. Quite a number have became officers in the Corps 
d'Afrique. 

• FORTY- EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

The Forty-eighth Regiment was intended originally to be an 
Essex-County regiment; and eight companies were raised for it in 
that county, and were sent to Camp Lander, Wcnham : but, be- 
fore it was completed, an urgent call was made to forward the 
troops intended for the Banks Expedition, 



428 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Some five hundred men for an Irish regiment had been re- 
cruited at Camp Joe Hooker. These men were ordered to join the 
Forty -eighth, and fill it up ; and two companies were detached from 
the Forty-eighth, and attached to the Fourth, thus completing the 
organization of the Fourth and Forty-eighth. This arrangement 
was made that the Irish recruits might serve in the same regi- 
ment. Through the unmilitary conduct of some of the officers in 
the Irish companies, dissatisfaction was created, and many of the 
men deserted ; but enough were held to complete the regiment. 
Mr. O'Brien, a brave and patriotic gentleman, was elected lieu- 
tenant-colonel. The officers who created the dissatisfaction were 
dishonorably dismissed the service. This will account for the many 
desertions which appear on the rolls of this regiment. Most all 
of them took place before the regiment left the State. Its officers 
were as follows : — 

Colonel Eben F. Stone. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... James O'Brien. 

Major . George Wheatland. 

Surgeon ...... Yorick Gr. Heard. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Francis F. Brown. 

Chaplain Samuel J. Spalding. 

This regiment left Camp Meigs, to take shipping for New Or- 
Orleans, Dec. 27, 1862. It embarked on board " The Constellation " 
at New York, and sailed Jan. 4, 1863. After a detention at 
Fortress Monroe of seven days, it reached New Orleans Feb. 1, 
and, on the 3d, was sent to Baton Rouge as part of the first bri- 
gade, first division, Major-Gen. Augur commanding. March 13, 
the Forty-eighth took part in an important reconnoissance towards 
Port Hudson. Proceeding by transports to Springfield Landing, 
the troops disembarked under cover of the guns of a portion of 
Commodore Farragut's fleet ; waded from the landing to the 
bluff" through water waist-deep; formed upon the bluff"; marched 
to the junction of Springfield Landing and Bayou Sara Roads, 
and returned to Baton Rouge. The expedition was success- 
fully accomplished. The next day, the regiment formed the 
rear-guard^of a baggage-train ; the whole Nineteenth Corps having 
marched towards Port Hudson to make a diversion while Commo- 
dore Farragut attempted to pass a portion of his fleet above the 
batteries. This passage was eff"ected by " The Albatross " and 
" The Hartford," and the army was withdrawn for a few days, 
encamping at Montecino Bayou. 



THE FORTY-EIGHTH AT PORT HUDSON. 429 

On the 20th, the regiment returned to its old camp at Baton 
Rouge. The army, with the exception of the first and third bri- 
gades of Gren. Augur, was transferred to New Orleans and Bra- 
shear City, preparatory to the campaign in Western Louisiana. 
With this reduction of the force at Baton Rouge, the picket-line 
was considerably shortened; and, on the 4th of April, the brigade 
moved to new quarters in the more thickly settled portions of the 
town. No variation from the usual routine of camp-duties 
occurred until the 18th of May, when the regiment was ordered 
to report to Col. Dudley, then in command of the third brigade, 
in camp at Merritt's Plantation. 

On the 21st, the whole force of Gen. Augur having been 
brought together, the line of march was taken for Port Hudson. 
About ten, a.m., a rebel battery at the Plains Store opened upon 
our column, the third brigade having the advance. This was 
silenced, and in the afternoon we occupied the open ground near 
the store. A section of Arnold's battery was put upon the road 
leading directly from the store into Port Hudson ; an.d the Forty- 
eighth was taken by Gen. Augur to the support of this section, 
the right of the regiment resting in the woods on the right of the 
road, and the left of the regiment on the left of the road, with or- 
ders to bivouac there for the night. It had hardly taken its posi- 
tion when the enemy opened upon it with shot and shell from 
covered guns. The men were ordered to lie down, as Col. Stone 
was told that the scouts of the One Hundred and Seventy -fourth 
New-York were out on his left flank, and the Illinois cavalry upon 
his right, and that his position was well secured against surprise. 
But, while the enemy's guns opened in front, a column of infantry 
passed through the woods to his left, and partially to the rear of 
the Forty-eighth, and suddenly, with a yell, opened a heavy fire 
of musketry upon it at short range. Tlie men, surprised by this 
unexpected attack, were thrown into some confusion, but soon 
'rallied, and fell back to the Plains Store. The One Hundred and 
Sixteenth New- York a^d the Forty-ninth Massachusetts were then 
ordered into the woods ; when the enemy drew off towards Port 
Hudson, and no further resistance was made outside of the in- 
trenchments. This was the first time the regiment was under 
fire : it lost two killed, seven wounded, and eleven prisoners. 

While Gen. Augur and Gen. Sherman approached from the 
river below, the first on the Bayou-Sara Road, and the other on 
the Springfield-Landing Road, Gen. Banks had passed down the 
Red River, and crossed the Mississippi above Port Hudson. Com- 



430 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

munication with Gen. Banks was now established. On Sunday, 
May 25, Gen. Augur's division moved up from the Plains Store 
towards the intrenchments, but encountered no opposition. The 
different divisions having taken their positions around the intrench- 
ments, a general assault was ordered on Wednesday, May 27. A 
call was made in Gen. Augur's division for volunteers to a storm- 
ing-party of two hundred men. From the Forty-eighth, ninety-two 
men volunteered, among whom was Lieut.-Col. O'Brien, four cap- 
tains, eleven lieutenants, fourteen non-commissioned officers, and 
sixty-three privates. The storming-party was to precede the line 
of battle ; one hundred men carrying fascines to fill the ditch, and 
one hundred armed to mount the enemy's works. But the nature 
of the ground was such, that these and the regiments soon be- 
came mixed up, and made the advance together. In this bat- 
tle, the Forty-eighth lost seven killed and mortally wounded, 
and forty-one wounded. Among those killed was Lieut.-Col. 
O'Brien. He fell early in the engagement, pierced by a rifle-shot, 
as he turned to cheer forward the storming-party which he was 
leading. He was a brave soldier, a generous companion and 
friend, and a true-liearted patriot. His body was taken from the 
field, and sent to New Orleans, where it was interred. 

On the 5th of June, the regiment was sent to Plains Store, on 
rear-guard duty. On the 14th, it formed a part of an assaulting 
column under Col. Benedict, losing two men killed, and eleven 
wounded. 

July 9, our forces marched. That evening, the entire division 
of Gen. Augur embarked for Donaldsonville, under command of 
Gen. Weitzel. A few miles below the fort, the rebels had 
planted batteries behind the levee to cut off communication 
with New Orleans. Here the division disembarked on the 10th. 
On the loth, an engagement took place between the enemy 
and a detachment of our forces under Col. Dudley, on the right 
of Bayou Lafourche ; and another detachment, under Col. Morgan,- 
on the left of the bayou. Our forces fell b^ck under orders not 
to bring on a general engagement. 

Col. Dudley's men, being exposed to a flank-fire, suffered consid- 
erably. The Forty-eighth lost three men killed and seven wound- 
ed, and twenty-three prisoners. These latter, except Lieuts. Wil- 
son and Bassett, were paroled, and returned to the regiment. The 
enemy soon after left the river. 

On Saturday, Aug. 1, the regiment returned to its camp at 
Baton Rouge, having left it seventy-four days previous in light 
marching-order. 



I 



THE FORTT-EIGHTII MUSTERED OUT. 431 

Aug, 9, the regiment went aboard the transport " Sunny South," 
and on the morning of the 10th sailed for Cairo, where it arrived 
Aug. 17. The transportation from this point to Boston was by 
raih'oad, where it arrived on Sunday morning, Aug. 23. A fur- 
lough was given the men to Sept. 3, when the regiment was mus- 
tered out of service at Camp Lander. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

FORTY-NINTH, FIFTIETH, AND FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENTS. 

The Forty-ninth ordered to New York. — Goes to New Orleans. — At Port Hudson.— 
At Donaldsonville. — Returns to Pittsfield. — The Fiftieth ordered to report to Gen. 
Banks.— Sails for the Department of the Gulf. — Port Hudson. — Starts for Massa- 
chusetts. — Passage delayed. — The Fifty-first and Col. Sprague. — Goes to New- 
hern.— A Test of Patriotism in South Carolina. — Home. 

FORTY-NINTH REGIMENT. 

THE Forty-ninth Regiment was almost exclusively a Berkshire- 
County regiment. A camp was established at Pittsfield, and 
named Camp Briggs, in honor of Brig.-Gen. Briggs, formerly colo- 
nel of the Tenth Regiment, who had been promoted for his gal- 
lantry on the field. 
We add its roster : — 



Colonel . 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon . 
Assistant Surgeon 



William F. Bartlett. 
Samuel B. Sumner. 
Charles T. Plunkett. 
Frederic Winsor. 
Albert H. Bice. 



Capt. W. F. Bartlett, a young and meritorious officer of the 
Twentieth Regiment, was appointed commandant of the camp. 
He had lost a leg at the battle of Fair Oaks, Ya. When the regi- 
ment was recruited to the full standard, Capt. Bartlett was elected 
colonel ; and, notwithstanding the loss of a limb, he accepted the 
position. 

The Forty-ninth received marching orders, Nov, 21, to report in 
New York to Brig.-Gen. Andrews. It was detained there and at 
Long Island, waiting for transportation. 

It soon began to earn a reputation for good discipline, and was 
kept by Gen. Andrews doing provost-guard duty in New York 
until all the other regiments of the Banks Expedition had been 
sent forward. An effort was made by the Provost-Marshal-Gen- 
eral to retain it in New York during its entire term of service. 

432 



THE FORTY-NINTH AT PORT HUDSON. 433 

On the 24th of January, 1863, the rcghiient was sent to New- 
Orleans in the steamer ■•' Illinois," and from there to CarroUton, 
and then to Baton Rouge, where it was attaclied to the first bri- 
gade. Col. Chapin commanding, Gen. Augur's division. 

March 14, the regiment participated in the feigned advance of 
Gen. Banks's forces on Port Hudson, and in the retreat was left 
at Bayou Montecino to hold the bridge until all the baggage- 
trains had passed over. It shortly after returned to Baton 
Rouge, and for some time had no active service, except in doing 
guard-duty to baggage-trains, and acting as provost-guard in Baton 
Rouge. 

About the middle of May, the regiment advanced with Gen. 
Augur's division towards Port Hudson ; and, May 21, it partici- 
pated in the battle of the Plains Store, and won Gen. Augur's 
commendation ; especially distinguishing itself by its steadiness 
under fire, and by its promptness in re-forming its lines when 
broken by the hasty retreat of another regiment. In this affair, 
only five of the regiment were wounded. Among them was Lieut. 
Joseph Tucker, acting aide-de-camp to Col. Chapin, commanding 
the brigade. He was struck in the knee by a shell, and, in con- 
sequence of the wound, lost his leg. 

May 27, the regiment participated in the first assault upon Port 
Hudson, in which it lost seventy-six killed and wounded, being 
one-third of the regiment engaged ; three companies having been 
on special service. The regiment lost in this assault as large 
a proportion as any other regiment; and established its reputa- 
tion for cool and steady bravery. The heroic and intrepid Col. 
Bartlett was unfortunately sliot through the wrist and heel early 
in the engagement, while leading the regiment to the assault on 
horseback. Lieut.-Col. Sumner was wounded in the shoulder 
about the same time. Lieuts. Judd and Doming were killed 
while gallantly cheering on their men. Eleven of the eighteen 
officers with the regiment were hit. The command of the regi- 
ment devolved on Major Plunkett, after the wounding of his 
superior officers, and continued under his command during the 
remainder of its term of service, a command which he held with 
great credit to himself, and honor to the regiment. 

On the 14th of June, it made, with the rest of Augur's division, 
a feigned assault upon the rebel works, and lost eighteen men 
killed and wounded. During the entire investment of Port Hud- 
son, the regiment was in the front, supporting batteries, and 
engaged in other duties of the siege, until July 9, 1833. Immedi- 

55 



434 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ately thereafter, the regiment was sent to Donaldsoiiville with two 
brigades under command of Col. Dudley. On the 13th of July, 
while moving up the Bayou Lafourche, and when they were about 
to encamp, the Union troops were attacked by a large force of 
rebels. The Forty-ninth was sent forward to support a battery, 
and, owing to the falling-back of the rest of our forces, was nearly 
surrounded. By making a circuit of three miles through corn- 
fields, it was enabled to join the rest of Col. Dudley's command, 
with a loss of twenty-two killed, wounded, and missing. Except 
participating in a few short expeditions, the regiment had no 
further active service until its return home. 

Returning vid Mississippi River, it reached Pittsfield Aug. 21, 
where it was publicly received with much enthusiasm by the 
citizens of Berkshire County. 

By special permission of the Governor of the Commonwealth, the 
colors of the regiment were retained in the county, in the keeping 
of the clerk of the courts. 

The record of the regiment is an honorable one, and worthy of 
the Revolutionary fame of Berkshire men. 

THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT 

Was composed, in the main, of the Seventh Regiment Massachu- 
setts Volunteer Militia. 

When the call for nine-months' troops was made, this regiment 
volunteered for the service in a body. It was ordered to Camp 
Stanton, Boxford, to recruit to the maximum. It was essentially 
an Essex-County regiment. Col. Messor and Lieut.-Col. Locke 
have long been connected with our Volunteer Militia, and have 
been raised from the ranks for their capacity and good conduct. 
Each of them commanded a company in the Fifth Regiment dur- 
ing the three-months' service, and were in the first battle of Bull 
Run, in July, 1861. 

The officers were, — 

Colonel ...... Carlos P. Messer. 

Lieutenant - Colonel . . . . John W. Locke. 

Major ...... John Hodges, jun. 

Surgeon ..... William Coggswell. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Nathaniel W. French. 

On the 19th of November, the regiment was ordered to New 
York to report to Gen. Banks, and was attached to the Depart- 



THE FIFTIETH AT NEW ORLEANS. 435 

mcnt of the Gulf. The regiment was divided into three parts, 
and placed on board of small and unsafe vessels, two of which 
came near being foundered at sea. 

The third, — the " Jersey Blue," — becoming unmanageable, 
put in at Hilton Head in distress. The troops were landed, 
remained there about three weeks, embarked on board the bark 
" Guerilla," arrived at New Orleans Jan. 20, 1863, went into 
camp at CarroUton, and, on the 5th of February, proceeded by 
steamer to Baton Rouge. 

Company I sailed from New York in company with the Thir- 
tieth Massachusetts on the 1st of December, and arrived at Baton 
Rouge on the 16th. Company H was left at Park Barracks, await- 
ing transportation. The ''Niagara," with field and staff officers 
and the five remaining companies, sailed on the 13th. 

On the first night out, the steamer sprang a leak ; and, her ma- 
chinery becoming disabled, it was found necessary to put in at 
Delaware Breakwater. It being evident tliat the vessel could 
not proceed on her voyage without endangering the lives of the 
troops on board, Col. Messer ordered her to proceed to Philadel- 
phia, where she arrived on the 16th. Col. Messer immediately 
ordered a survey to be held upon the steamer, and she was con- 
demned. He then conferred with the military authorities at New 
York, who decided to send him a transport as soon as possible ; and 
on the first day of January, 1863, the " Jenny Lind," with Com- 
pany H on board, arrived at Pliiladelphia. On the 9th of January, 
the regiment left in the " Jenny Lind " for Fortress Monroe, where 
it arrived on the 13th. There it was found that the ship was inca- 
pable of accommodating all the troops ; and Companies B, D, and 
H, were transferred to the " Montebello." The "Montebello" 
sailed on the 16th, and, after a passage of eleven days, arrived at 
New Orleans on the 27th. 

Upon arriving at New Orleans, the small-pox broke out among 
a portion of the troops on board not belonging to the Fiftieth 
Regiment ; and she was ordered to the quarantine station, twenty 
miles below New Orleans, where a portion of the Fiftieth suffered 
somewhat from the epidemic ; but no deaths occurred. 

The "■ Jenny Lind " arrived at New Orleans on the 9th of Feb- 
ruary, when the troops took passage per steamer "Iberville," and 
arrived at Baton Rouge on the 14th instant. The regiment was 
there assigned to the command of Acting Brig.-Gen. Dudley, of 
the first division, third brigade. Nineteenth Army Corps. Prepa- 
rations were immediately made for increasing the efficiency of the 



436 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

regiment by constant drills, and strict attention to all the duties 
belonging to a soldier's life. Nothing of special interest occurred 
until the 14th of IVIarch, when the regiment was ordered into 
active service, and accompanied the entire command of Major- 
Gen. Banks on the expedition of that date to the rear of Port 
Hudson, some twenty miles distant. Here the regiment biv- 
ouacked for the first time upon the ever-memorable night, 
when, by the strategic movement made by Gen. Banks, Admiral 
Farragut was enabled to pass the batteries of Port Hudson with 
two of his war steamers, tlie " Hartford " and "Albatross." 

The object of the expedition being accomplished, the third bri- 
gade returned to Baton Rouge, where it took passage by steamer 
to Winter's Plantation, a point on the opposite bank of the Missis- 
sippi, three miles below, and in full view of the batteries of Port 
Hudson. There the regiment performed picket-duty to enable a 
communication to be made with Admiral Farragut ; which being 
accomplished, it returned to camp at Baton Rouge on the 26th. 

On the 2d of April, the detachment under Lieut.-Col. Locke 
arrived from quaranthie, where it had been about seventy days. 
On the 9th of April, Companies A, B, C, and I, of the Fiftieth, 
accompanied an expedition, consisting of a force of artillery, 
cavalry, and infantry, six hundred strong, under command of 
Lieut.-Col. Everett of the Second Louisiana Regiment, to the 
Bayou Monticeno, about six miles distant from Baton Rouge, on 
the road to Port Hudson, for the purpose of destroying a bridge 
crossing that stream ; which being accomplished, the regiment 
returned to Baton Rouge, after an absence of about five hours. 

On the 12th of May, the regiment inarched from Baton Rouge 
in company with the third brigade for Port Hudson. It arrived at 
White's Bayou, ten miles south-east of Port Hudson, and there 
was ordered to remain. It was necessary to hold that position, in 
order to prevent a flank movement of the enemy while our forces 
were concentrating and surrounding Port Hudson in its imme- 
diate rear. After our army had effected this, and were in a con- 
dition to attack, the Fiftieth was ordered to the front, and, on the 
26th of May, marched to a position within range of the enemy's 
batteries. On the 27th, it took part in the assault on the fortress ; 
and from that day to the 9th of July, when the fort surrendered, 
the regiment was principally engaged in supporting batteries. 

On the 8th, it marched within the fortifications, and did garri- 
son-duty until the 29th, when it took passage on board the steamer 
" Omaha " for home. 



THE FIFTY-FIRST IN NORTH CAROLINA. 437 

On the 3d of August, the steamer grounded near Helena, Ark, ; 
and the men were transferred to the " G. M. Kennett," and ar- 
rived at Cairo, 111., oa the 5th. Thence it went by railroad to 
Boston, arriving there on the 11th; and was mustered out of" the 
service of the United States at Wenham, Aug. 21. 

FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 

The Fifty-first Regiment was recruited at Camp John E. Wool, 
Worcester, of which Col. Ward, of the Fifteenth Regiment, was 
appointed commandant. He had lost a leg at the disastrous fight 
at Ball's Bluff, Va., where he had displayed great gallantry. 

The Fifty-first was a Worcester-County regiment. Col. Sprague 
was one of our best militia-officers. He commanded a company 
in the Third Battalion of Rifles, under Major Devens, now briga- 
dier-general, during the three-months' service. He was appointed 
lieutenant-colonel in the Twenty-fifth Regiment, and was present at 
the taking of Roanoke Island and Newborn, N.C., in both of which 
engagements he proved himself a brave and excellent officer. 

When the Fifty-first had recruited to the maximum, Lieut.-Col. 
Sprague was elected colonel. On the 11th of November, the regi- 
ment received orders to proceed to Newbern, N.C., and report to 
Major-Gen. Foster. The names of its principal officers were as 
follows : — 

Colonel ..... Augustus B. K. Sprague. 

Lieutenant -Colonel . . . John M. Stuclley. 

Major ...... Elijah A. Harkness. 

Surgeon ..... George Jewett. 

Assistant Surgeon .... J. Homer Darling. 

Chaplain Gilbert Cumniings. 

Nov. 25, it embarked at Boston on board the United-States trans- 
port "Merrimack." It went to sea the same evening; and, after 
a rough voyage, arrived at Beaufort, N.C., on the afternoon of 
Sunday, Nov. 30, where, taking cars to Newbern, it went into 
quarters in the unfinished barracks on the south side of the Trent 
River. Here it was assigned to the brigade commanded by Col. 
T. J. C. Amory. 

In obedience to Department General Orders, No. 77, and Brigade 
General Orders, No. 31, the regiment took its place in line at 
daylight on the morning of Dec. 11, and formed a part of the 
column in what is known as the expedition to Goldsborough. For 



438 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

a detailed report of the duties performed during that ten-days' 
march, reference may be had to the official report of the command- 
ing officer, as published in tUe report of the Adjutant-General of 
'Massachusetts for the year 1862. 

On the 30th of December, Company G, Capt. T. D. Kimball, 
was detached, and ordered to occupy the Block House, and per-, 
form outpost duty at Brice's Ferry. This post was garrisoned by 
this company as long as the regiment remained in North Carolina. 

Assistant Surgeon Garvin was ordered on the Gtli January to 
report for duty as post-surgeon at Roanoke Island, and there re- 
mained till after the regiment left the department. 

The first death in the regiment occurred on the 11th of January, 
of the disease known in medical works as '• Arcbro Spinal Me- 
ningitis." This singularly fatal malady, during the two months 
following, consigned to the grave about twenty from among the 
hardiest and best soldiers. 

In conformity to Department General Orders, No. 18, of Jan. 
15, 18(33, the names " Kinstou," " Whitehall," and " Golds- 
borough," were inscribed on the colors of the regiment. 

On the 20th February, suffering severely from a steadily increas- 
ing sick-list and frequent deaths, six companies, as a sanitary 
measure, were moved from the barracks to Deep Gully, an out- 
post eight miles out, on the Trent Road. The weather being 
unfavorable, and the shelter-tents proving quite iosufficient for 
the comfort of men suffisring from malaria, the regiment returned 
to barracks Feb. 27. 

In conformity to Special Orders, No. 40, " that Col. Sprague, 
commanding Fifty-first Massachusetts, with his regiment, relieve 
the companies stationed at different points along the railroad 
between Newborn and Morehead City, also those at Morehead 
City, Beaufort, and Evans's Mills," on the 2d and 3d of March, 
the regiment was distributed as follows : — 

Company G, Capt. T. D. Kimball, remaining at Brice's Ferry. 
Company K, Capt. D. W. Kimball, Evans's Mills. Companies D, 
Capt. Prouty, H, Capt. Hobbs, B, Capt. Bascom, and I, Capt. 
Thayer, Newport ; Lieut.-Col. Studley. Companies A, Capt. Wood, 
and C, Capt. Goodell, Morehead City. Companies E, Capt. 
Wheeler, and F, Capt. Baldwin, Beaufort ; headquarters at Beau- 
fort. Major E. A. Harkness was designated as Provost-Marshal of 
Beaufort and Morehead City. 

March 25, Lieut. Sanderson and twenty-two men were ordered 
to man the gunboat " Hussar," lying in Beaufort Harbor, and were 
instructed in naval gunnery. 



THE FIFTY-FIRST I^' XORTII CAROLINA. 439 

By Special Orders, No. 93, from Department Headquarters, 
dated March 30, in addition to his other duties. Col. Sprague 
assumed command of the post of Fort Macon ; and Company C, 
Capt. Goodcll, was added to the garrison, one company of the 
Forty-fifth Massachusetts being relieved. On tlie 4th of May, 
the regiment returned to Newbern, greatly improved in licalth, 
and re-occupied their old quarters in Foster Barracks, on the 
Trent. The regiment left on the 22d of May, and selected a 
spot near the jnnction of the Trent and Neuse, which was desig- 
nated Camp Wellington. 

Some misapprehension liaving arisen concerning the time of the 
expiration of the term of service of the nine-months' men, the 
commissary of musters for the Eighteenth Corps issued a circu- 
lar ; and, after stating the rule adopted by the Government, con- 
cludes as follows : — 

Its fairness and liberality can hardly be questioned by any, save those 
whose patriotism is of so weak a nature as to begrudge to their country a 
short period additional to their specified nine months. 

In order, however, that no possible ground of complaint may exist, the 
general commanding authorizes me to state that any company in this depart- 
ment will, on application of its captain, approved by the colonel commanding 
the regiment, be furnished with transportation, and allowed to proceed home in 
time to reach it in nine months from the time of its muster into service. 

This circular was read to the regiment at the evening parade 
of the 10th of June, together with the following : — 

Headquarters Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment, 
Camp Wellington, Newbern, N.C, June 10, 1863. 

I have caused to be read to the whole command a circular which was drawn 
out by dissatisfaction with the direction of the War Department, in regard to 
the time of mustering out the nine-months' men. 

Without entering upon an argument in regard to the justice or equity of 
this decision of the War Department, I rely upon the good judgment, the 
patriotism and inteUigenee, of the officers and soldiers of this regiment who 
entered the service, and have stood together unflinchingly in the line of duty, 
to take no action which will compromise them in the eyes of the country and 
their friends. Rather let us be over-zealous in the service than be relieved 
one moment too soon by our own action. 

A. B. K. SPRAGUE, Colonel Fifty-first MassuchuseUsi. 

No company of the regiment signified a desire to avail them- 
selves of the otfer in the foregoing circular. 



440 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

It being understood, that, while the rebel army under Lee was 
pressing nortliward into Maryland and Pennsylvania, Gen. Dix 
would move upon Richmond by way of White House, on the Pa- 
munkey, this regiment, together with others, was offered to Gen. 
Dix, and, on the 24th of June, received orders from Major-Gen. 
Foster to report at Fortress Monroe, Va., and, with the exception 
of one hundred and eighty-three sick who remained behind, on tlie 
afternoon of that day embarked on steamer " Thomas CoUyer " and 
schooner " A. P. Howe." The troops arrived at Fortress Monroe 
on the morning of the 27th. The commanding officer reported to 
the senior officer of that post, who directed the regiment to proceed 
to Cumberland, Va., on the Pamunkey. Leaving the sick and all 
surplus baggage at the fortress, all embarked on the " Collyer," 
and proceeded up the York River. While en route, orders were 
received to proceed to White House, where they arrived about 
midnight. 

Early on the morning of the 28th, the troops reported to Gen. 
Dix, whose whole force was in camp at White House. Upon learn- 
ing that the regiment was in light marching order, without camp 
equipage, and the term of service of the regiment having nearly 
expired. Gen. Dix ordered that the regiment return to Fortress 
Monroe, and there make requisition upon the quartermaster for 
transportation to Massachusetts, to be mustered out of service. At 
that place, learning the situation of affairs in Pennsylvania 
and Maryland, the colonel authorized Gen.Naglee to offer the ser- 
vices of the regiment for the emergency. The offer was accepted, 
and the regiment ordered to report to Gen. Schenck at Baltimore, 
where it arrived July 1. 

July 4, the regiment was detailed to search the houses of citi- 
zens for arms, and successfully and creditably performed this 
delicate duty. 

July 5, six companies, under command of Lieut.-Col. Studley, 
escorted two thousand three hundred rebel prisoners, taken at 
Gettysburg, from the railroad station to Fort McHenry. On the 
6th, the regiment reported to Brig.-Gen. Briggs at the depot of 
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and took the cars for Maryland 
Heights ; arriving on the evening of the 7th at Harper's Ferry. 
Next morning, at four o'clock, it entered Fort Duncan. On 
the 12th, the regiment was ordered to join the Army of the 
Potomac at Boonesborough, Md., to intercept the retreat of Gen. 
Lee. This junction was effected next day. 

Surcharged with malaria contracted in the swamps of North 



THE FIFTY-FIBST MUSTERED OUT. 441 

Carolina, without camp-equipage, kettles, or a change of clothing 
in wet weather, the men were poorly prepared to endure the 
fatigue, and large numbers became sick, and were sent back to 
Baltimore from Sandy Hook and Maryland Heights ; so that, when 
it arrived at the front, tliere were present for duty an aggregate 
of only two hundred and seventy-five men. The brigade was 
immediately assigned to the second division, First Corps, of the 
Army of the Potomac, and second line of battle. 

The enemy disappeared from our front during the night ; and, 
on the morning of the 14th, the army was in motion in pursuit of 
the retiring rebels. The Fifty-first marched with the main body, 
and proceeded to Williamsport, where it was evident the enemy 
had etfected a crossing. 

It encamped at Williamsport, and, on the 15th instant, marched 
back, through Funkstown and Antietam, to a point near Berlin, 
Md., where a pontoon across the Potomac had been thrown for the 
passage of our troops into Virginia. 

The enemy having disappeared from our front, it recrossed the 
Potomac ; and, while in full retreat, the regiment received orders 
from corps headquarters, on the 17th of July, to return to Massa- 
chusetts, to be mustered out of the service of the United States. 
It reached Baltimore on the morning of the 18th, and arrived at 
Worcester, Mass., on the 21st day of July. 

A furlough was granted to the men till the 27th instant, when 
they were mustered out of service by Capt. Lawrence, Fourth 
Infantry, U. S. A., having served nearly ten months. The sick 
left at Newbern at the departure of the regiment, under charge 
of Assistant Surgeon Garvin, arrived home before the regiment, 
and were mustered out with the rest at Worcester, Mass. 

56 



CHAPTER XXIV. 
FIFTY- SECOND AND FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENTS. 

The Fifty-second ordered to the Department of the Gulf. — At Baton Kouge. — Marches. — 
At Port Hudson. — Homeward March. — Col. Kimball and the Fifty-third. — New- 
Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Port Hudson. — The Return to Massachusetts. 

FIFTY-SECOND REGIMEx\T. 

THE Fifty-second was recruited in the counties of Hampshire 
and Franklin, and was organized at Camp Miller, Greenfield. 
The following names are found in its list of officers : — 

Colonel . . . . . . . H. S. Greenleaf. 

Lieutenant -Colonel . . . . . S. J. Storrs. 

Major ....... Henry Winn. 

Surgeo7i . ...... F. A. Sawyer. 

Chaplain J. F. Moores. 

Nov. 19, 1862, the regiment was ordered to embark for the 
Department of the Gulf, and report to Gen. Banks. It arrived 
safely at New Orleans, and during December, 1862, and January, 
1863, was stationed at Baton Rouge. 

On the 13th of March, the regiment made a reconnoissance 
towards Port Hudson, marching up under the guns of the rebel 
fortifications, and returned to Baton Rouge on the 20th. Thence 
it took steamer for Donaldsonville, and on the 31st advanced in 
the direction of Thibodeaux twelve miles. 

In closing the record for this month, Col. Greenleaf says, — 

Our reconnoissance to about five hundred yards of the rebel batteries at 
Port Hudson we regard as an exceedingly hazardous one to ourselves ; but 
it was, nevertheless, handsomely done, the regiment not only deporting itself 
to my entire satisfaction, but in such a manner as to call forth the congratu- 
lations of our brigade and division commanders. 

April 1, 1863,the regiment marched from Pancoult, on the Bayou 
Lafourche, to Cox's Plantation, thirteen miles ; the 2d, from Cox's 
Plantation to Thibodeaux, fifteen miles ; the 4th, proceeded by rail 
to Bayou Bceuf, seventeen miles ; the 9th, marched from Brashear 

442 



THE MARCH TO PORT HUDSON. 443 

City, ten miles ; the 11th, went on board the steamship " St. 
Mary ; " the 13th, landed at Indian Bend, on Grand Lake, dis- 
tant from Brashear City about thirty-five miles, and marched 
about three miles, our advance meeting, and driving before it, a 
small force of the enemy; the whole of Grover's division en- 
camping for the night on Madam Porter's plantation. 

On the 14th, the battle of Indian Ridge was fought, the regiment 
not participating, as the second brigade. Col. Khnball, to which it 
belonged, was by turn, that day, the reserve brigade, the bri- 
gades alternating from day to day in marching. On the 15th, it 
started in pursuit of the enemy, performing the march to New 
Iberia in two days, — distance, thirty-two miles. 

Leaving four companies here on provost-duty, the rest of the 
regiment advanced, and reached Barre's Landing on the 26th. 
Here it remained until the 21st of May, employed in collecting 
and guarding corn, cotton, sugar, molasses, &c., guarding ne- 
groes, and loading and unloading boats at the landing. Gen. 
Grover's division, with the exception of this regiment and a sec- 
tion of Nims's (second) battery, left the landing, going in the 
direction of Alexandria, leaving it in command of the post. On 
the 5th instant, there were at this post about four thousand bales 
of cotton, a considerable quantity of sugar and molasses, one hun- 
dred horses, and about four thousand negroes, mostly women and 
children. 

On the 12th instant. Col. Thomas E. Chiclvcring arrived from 
Opelousas, and, by order of Major-Gen. Banks, assumed command 
of the post. On the 19th, Companies A, E, F, and G, rejoined 
it, having marched from New Iberia to Brashear City, and 
thence to° Barre's Landing by boat. On the 21st, it commenced 
the return-march to Brashear City, forming a portion of an escort 
for a five-mile negro and supply train, under command of Col. 
Joseph S. Morgan of the Ninetieth New-York Volunteers : dis- 
tance marched, eighteen miles. On the 22d, starting late in the 
mornino-, it marched about eighteen miles, encamping at night on 
the Bayou Teche. On the 23d, it passed through St. Martinsville, 
and encamped for the night a mile above New Iberia, having 
marched about eighteen miles. On the 24th, passing through 
New Iberia, it marched about fifteen miles, and encamped for the 
night in a beautiful oak-grove on the Bayou Teche. On the 25th, 
it passed through Franklin and Centreville, and was attacked in the 
rear by what the colonel commanding supposed to be the advance 
of a large rebel force under Gen. Mouton, and was ordered back 



444 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

a distance of five miles to assit^t in repelling the attack. The 
attack having been repelled witliout any loss to this regiment, it 
resumed the march, and continued it through the night, making 
the distance of forty miles during the twenty-four hours, reaching 
Brashcar City a few hours later. Thence it went by rail to 
Algiers, and by steamer to Springfield Landing; arriving at division 
headquarters, before Port Hudson, about midnight of the 30th. 
This march, performed during daytime, was both severe and ex- 
hausting. 

From the 5th to the 8tli of June, as a part of the column under 
Gen. Paine, the regiment marched to Clinton to disperse the 
rebels collected there. This object was effected with very little 
fighting. 

On the 14th of June, the day of the assault upon Port Hud- 
son, the regiment was assigned a position in the assaulting column 
under Gen. Weitzel ; but, during the fight, was ordered to deploy 
for skirmishing, in order to prevent a flank movement from the 
enemy upon the column. It gained a position in the front within 
easy rifle-range of the rebel works, and held that position until 
the 20th. It was then sent under Col. Greenleaf as part of an 
escort of a wagon-train to Jackson's Cross-roads. While here, 
and loading its teams, it was attacked by a greatly superior force 
of rebels. This attack was repulsed with a loss to the rebels of 
thirty or forty killed and wounded, and a number of prisoners. 
The loss of the regiment was two taken prisoners and about sixty 
teams, the horses of which, becoming frightened, ran away from 
the escort. 

On the night of the 20th, the regiment returned to its posi- 
tion at the front. The loss during the month was nine killed 
(including a captain), twelve wounded, and two prisoners ; total, 
twenty-three. It arrived home the third day of August, 1863, 
and was mustered out of service Aug. 14, 1863. This regiment 
was the first to make the voyage of the Mississippi after that river 
had been opened by the capture of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. 

THE FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT 

Was recruited at Camp Stevens, Groton Junction. The compa- 
nies composing it were principally from Northern Worcester and 
Middlesex Counties. 

Col. Kimball has long been known as one of our best militia- 
officers. He was major of the Fifteenth Regiment (three-years' 



THE FIFTY-THIRD AT PORT HUDSON: 445 

service), and was in every battle with that regiment, from Ball's 
Bluff to Fredericksburg. After the promotion of Col. Devens, of 
the Fifteenth, he had command of the regiment as lieutenant- 
colonel ; Col. Ward having been at home from disability, and loss 
of limb, since the battle of Ball's Bluff. 

On the 18th of November, the Fifty-third was ordered to pro- 
ceed to New York, and report to ]\[ajor-Gen. Banks. Col. Kim- 
ball not having arrived, the regiment left the State under com- 
mand of Lieut.-Col. Barrett ; but, before leaving New York to 
proceed to New Orleans, Col. Kimball johied the regiment. 

Its officers were, — 

Colonel ...... John W. Kimball. 

Lieutenant- Colonel .... Greorge H. Barrett. 

Major ...... James A. Ball. 

Surgeon ...... James Q. A. M'CoUester. 

Assistant Surgeon .... William M. Barrett. 

Chaplain ...... Benjamin F. "Whittemore. 

The regiment remained in New York at Franklin Barracks 
until the 17th of January, 1863 ; when it embarked on board 
" The Continental," and, after a stormy passage of twelve days, 
reached New Orleans, and went into camp at Carrollton. It here 
became attached to the third brigade, third division, Brig.-Gen. 
Emory commanding. 

On the (ith of March, going on board the steamer " Crescent," 
it proceeded to Baton Rouge, and went into camp three miles 
below the city. 

On the 12th of March, it was ordered on a reconnoissance up 
the river. It embarked on two steamers, and, under convoy of the 
gunboat " Albatross," moved up the river five miles, where a land- 
ing was effected. With an escort of eighteen cavalry-men, it pro- 
ceeded cautiously across the country about one and a half miles 
to the Bayou Sara Road, where it encountered and drove in the 
enemy's pickets. Returning by the Bayou Sara Road, it arrived 
at Baton Roiige the same afternoon, driving in a number of fine 
cattle. 

On the evening of the 13th, it marched with the division in the 
expedition to Port Hudson, and, on the afternoon of the 14th, 
arrived at a point within three miles of that place, where it was 
ordered to bivouac. This was the night of the bombardment and 
successful passage of a portion of the fleet past the batteries of 
Port Hudson. The men slept on their arms, expecting to be 



446 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ordered at any moment to join in the attack by the land-forees 
upon the enemy's works. Morning came ; but no attack was 
made. A general order from headquarters of Gen. Banks an- 
nounced that the object of the expedition had been accomplished, 
and the whole army was immediately put in motion towards 
Baton Rouge. This division was halted, and went into camp five 
miles out from the same, where it remained until the 20th of 
Mardi. In the mean time, the regiment took part in a recon- 
noissance up the Clinton Road some five or six miles, but with 
no results of importance. 

On the 20th, the division marched to Baton Rouge ; and the 
Fifty-third returned to its old camp, and remained there until the 
1st of April, when it was ordered with the rest of the division 
to Algiers, opposite New Orleans, where it arrived April 2. 
On the 9th, the regiment took passage by railroad to Brasliear 
City to join in the movement through the Teche country. The 
regiment marched April 11, arriving at Pattersonville, eight miles 
distant, at seven o'clock, p.m. Marched next day at noon ; moved 
forward about two miles, when the advance encountered the 
enemy's pickets. A brisk skirmish of some two hours followed. 
The enemy was pushed back, and the line of march was again re- 
sumed, and continued for about two miles, when it encountered 
the batteries of the enemy, protected by a formidable line of earth- 
works. A sharp artillery battle ensued, lasting until dark. The 
regiment rested in line of battle, sleeping on their arms. 

At daylight next morning, April 13, firing was opened upon both 
sides, and the assault upon the enemy's works commenced. The 
Fifty-third was engaged during the morning in supporting a bat- 
tery, and in the afternoon in skirmishing towards the fortifications; 
and was thus engaged under a heavy fire of musketry and shell 
for five hours until darkness prevented further operations, gradu- 
ally advancing to within a hundred and twenty-five yards of the 
enemy's works, which it held through the night. At daylight the 
troops advanced upon the works, and entered them, the enemy 
having evacuated during the night. Fort Bisland was taken, and 
the flag of the Fifty-third was the first planted upon its ram- 
parts. The Fifty-third lost in this action one officer and thirteen 
privates killed and wounded. But eight companies were engaged, 
two being on detached service. 

On the 14th, the regiment took up its line of march on the left 
bank of the Teche, and reached Opelousas on the 20th. The 
march was a very fatiguing one ; the weather hot, and the 



THE FIFTY-THIRD AT PORT HUDSON. 447 

roads dusty. On the 5th of May, the march was resumed. Stop- 
ping at different points on its journey, the regiment reached Bayou 
Sara on the 22d, and, marching thence twelve miles, joined the 
division which had arrived in front of Port Hudson. 

On the 24th, the army moved towards this point. The Fifty-third 
was detailed by order of Gen. Paine as guard for engineer corps, 
and led the cohunn. After advancing about two miles, and enter- 
ing a wood, the skirmishers of the regiment became engaged with 
those of the enemy, and succeeded in driving them back, so that 
the regiment could proceed with tlieir labors. This route was then 
abandoned for anotlier a little to the east of it, and the march 
resumed. Next day, the regiment was ordered to resume its 
place in the brigade, and moved forward, holding a position at the 
brow of a hill, within sixty yards of the rebel fortifications. The 
Fifty-third held this point until the afternoon of the next day, 
engaging the sharpshooters of the enemy. Its loss up to this time 
had been thirty killed and wounded. 

June 1, the regiment relieved the Fourth Wisconsin, occupying 
rifle-pits at tlie front. 

Here it remained until the 4th, losing in killed and wounded 
five men. 

June 5, the Fifty-third made part of the expedition to Clinton. 
This occupied four days, and resulted in driving the enemy from 
that locality without a fight. The expedition returned to Port 
Hudson on the 8th ; and, on the loth, the troops received orders to 
join in the assault on the fortifications next morning, at half-past 
two o'clock. 

At the appointed hour, this regiment took its position in rear 
of the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts, and in support of the Eighth 
New-Hampshire and Fourth Wisconsin, deployed as skirmishers. 
The line moved forward with great steadiness under a tremendous 
fire of shot, shell, and musketry, the whole being led and directed 
by the gallant Gen. Paine; and, when within a hundred yards of. 
the works, a charge by the four regiments was ordered. The line 
sprang forward with alacrity, advancing at double-quick close up 
to the works, with wild cheering, and an enthusiasm which prom- 
ised well for results. But they were not strong enough to carry 
the works. A few entered the works, and were captured ; and the 
rest, repulsed, were obliged to fall back to the foot of the hill, 
which fortunately furnislied a little protection from the enemy's 
sharpshooters. Here the men were obliged to lie in the hot sun 
through that long day, unable to extricate themselves from the 



448 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

position, or even to get off their suffering wounded, until darkness 
came to their relief. No attempt was made during the day to 
rally them for another chai*ge, or to bring up troops to their 
support ; and for them the day proved a failure, and all seemed lost 
save honor. The assault had cost this regiment heavily. Of the 
three hundred officers and men of the eight companies who 
went in, seven officers and seventy-nhie men were killed and 
wounded. 

Of the causes of the failure of this result it is not our province 
to speak here. Every one acquainted with modern warfare knows 
the difficulty of successfully carrying a charge in the face of 
such fortifications as it had to encounter, and for a quarter of a 
mile across an open field, every rod of which was obstructed by 
fallen trees, blind ravines and ditches ; and its failure in this case 
cannot be attributed to any lack of enthusiasm and gallant effort 
on the part of the brave general who led it, and who was severely 
wounded during the charge, or the officers and men who followed 
him. Their record stands untarnished. 

On the 19th of June, the Fifty-third was ordered to the front in 
support of a battery ; where it remained until the surrender of Fort 
Hudson, July 9. It was then ordered upon picket-duty five miles 
in rear of Port Hudson, remaining until the 11th ; when it marched 
with the brigade to Baton Rouge, arriving there July 12. On the 
15th, the regiment went to Donaldsonville. Returned to Baton 
Rouge Aug. 2, from which place it embarked for Cairo on the 
12th, and reached Fitchburg, Mass., on the 24th, where a public 
reception was given it. The Fifty-third then reported at Camp 
Stevens according to orders, Aug. 31 ; and was mustered out of 
service Sept. 2. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

COLORED REGIMENTS. 

Fifty-fourth. — Its Organization. — History of the Movement. — Enibarkation. — In South 
Carolina and Georgia. — Morris Island. — Forts Wagner and Gregg. — In Florida. — 
Battle of Olustee. — Expedition to James Island. — Guarding the Rebel Officers at 
the Forts. — Refuse Pay. — Action of the Massachusetts Legislature. — Receive full 
Pay. — .Join Blair's Corps. — Mustered out. — Anecdote of Sergeant Carney. — Fifty- 
fifth. —Roster of Officers. — Col. Hallowell's Report. — In Florida. — Advance upon 
Charleston. — Expedition up Broad River. — Battle of Honey Hill. — In the Vicinity 
of Chai-leston. — Return Home. 

FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

THE Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment began recruiting in 
February, 1863, in Boston. A camp was opened at Read- 
ville with a squad of twenty-seven men. 

We give tlie record of this movement in Massachusetts, recog- 
nizing as never before the manhood and essential equality of all 
races", in a few paragraphs from State papers on this subject : — 

An almost impenetrable wall of prejudice had been reared against the em- 
ployment of colored men in military service. It was said they could not be 
made soldiers ; that they could not fight ; that to employ them would prolong 
the war; that white soldiers would not serve in the same army with them ; and 
that they would prove a source of demoralization to our armies in the field, 
and of civil discord in the loyal States, which would prove ruinous to the Union 
cause. Some who held these opinions doubtless entertained them honestly ; 
but a majority of the leaders who gave expression to them were probably 
influenced more by party and personal considerations than by any sincere 
convictions that a man with a black skin could not be made a brave and valu- 
able soldier. There were also among the unconditionally loyal people those 
who doubted the expediency of raising colored troops, lest it should cause the 
ruin and disaster which the prophets of evil so confidently and continually 
predicted. 

It re(ji!iied calm foresight, thorough knowlcdoe of our condition, earnest 
conviction, faith in men, faith in the cause, and undaunted courage, to stem 
the various currents which set in, and flooded the land, against employing the 
black man as a soldier. In the Executive of Massachusetts was found a man 

57 449 



450 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

who possessed the qualifications necessary to stem these currents, and to wisely 
inaugurate, and peacefully carry out to a successful termination, the experiment 
of recruiting regiments of colored men. 

The authority to raise these two Massachusetts regiments of colored men 
was received from the Secretary of War, by an order dated Washington City, 
Jan. 26, 1863, as follows: — 

War Depaktment, ADJUTA^•T-GENERAL's Office, 
Washington, D.C, Jau. 27, 1863. 
Capt. J. B. Collins, United-States Army, Mustering and Disbursing 
Officer, Boston, Mass. 
Sir, — The following has been received from the Secretary of War, and is 
respectfully communicated for your information and guidance : — 

Wak Department, Washington City, Jan. 26, 1363. 
Ordered, That Gov. Andrew, of Massachusetts, is authorized, until fur- 
ther orders, to raise such number of volunteers, companies of artillery, for 
duty in the forts of Massachusetts and elsewhere, and such corps of infantry 
for the volunteer military service, as he may find convenient ; such volun- 
teers to be enlisted for three years, or until sooner discharged, and may in- 
clude persons of African descent, organized into special corps. He will make 
the usual needful requisitions on the appropriate staff bureaus and officers for 
the proper transportation, organization, supplies, subsistence, arms, and equii> 
ments of such volunteers. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

Massachusetts accepted the honor of being the first loyal State 
to recruit a regiment of colored men for military service in the war. 
Other States followed the example, and sent colored troops into the 
field, who mingled freely with white soldiers in the duties of the 
camp and in the scenes of bloody strife. The commissioned 
officers of the Fifty-fourth were white men, and great care was ex- 
ercised in their selection. The field-officers were as follows : — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant -Colone 
Major . 
Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain 



Robert Gt. Shaw. 
N. P. Hallowell. 
E. N. Hallowell. 
L. R. Stone. 
C. E. Bridgeham. 
Samuel Harrison. 



The regiment left Camp Meigs, for the front, May 28, 1863. It 
was a memorable spectacle, when, on that beautiful spring day, the 
Fifty-fourth was reviewed by the Governor, to whom it was the 
proudest day of his life ; while thousands of spectators witnessed 



THE ASSAULT ON FORT WAGNER. 451 

tlie fiiiG discipline of tlio troops, and their prompt obedience to 
orders ; and when they marched to the wharf to embark on board a 
United-States transport, amid the cheers of the vast concourse, there 
was a moral grandeur in the scene, seldom witnessed on sucii oc- 
casions. The regiment arrived at Hilton Head, S.C., June 8, and 
reported to Major-Gen. David Hunter ; thence to Beaufort, and 
next to Thompson's Island; and, on the 8th of June, to St. 
Simon's Island, in Georgia, where it arrived at noon, and reported 
to Col. Montgomery. Two companies were left here to guard the 
camp, and the other eight formed part of an expedition up the 
Altamaha. The troops arrived at Darien on the 11th, and took 
possession of the town, seizing as a prize a schooner loaded with 
cotton. 

On the 14th, they made an expedition to James Island. On tlie 
16th, the pickets were driven in by a force of the enemy ; and tvv^o 
companies, being cut off from the picket reserve, made a desperate 
resistance, and the most of them succeeded in cutting their way back 
to the main body. At night they evacuated the island, and next 
morning reached Cole Island, and thence were ordered to report to 
Gen. Strong at Morris Island. This was effected with six hundred 
and fifty men on the 18th. On the evening of this day, the as- 
sault on Fort Wagner was made. The regiment charged over a 
distance of sixteen hundred yards, attacked the fort, and was re- 
pulsed, after the most desperate effort to hold the position gained 
on tlie parapet. The loss was severe in both officers and men, 
amounting to twenty-one killed, and two hundred and forty miss- 
ing and wounded. Among the killed was the noble and generous 
Col. Shaw, of whom an extended notice will be found in another 
part of this volume. After this repulse, the regiment rallied, and 
acted as pickets in advance of the lines until morning. 

On the 24th, it was assigned to the command of Col. M. S. 
Littlefield, and encamped near the landing, Morris Island. 

During the time Col. Littlefield had command, all the effective 
men of the regiment were detailed for fatigue-duty in the trenches 
before Fort Wagner. 

Their work was with the spade, and was performed under a 
severe fire from the enemy's sharpshooters. During the siege, the 
regiment lost four men. It was at the front the night Forts Wag- 
ner and Gregg were taken, and was among the first to enter the 
enemy's works. Its services were called into requisition in re- 
modelling these forts. This work was done under a severe fire 
from the enemy's guns on James and Sullivan's Islands. Foj' 



452 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

five months following the attack on Fort Wagner, the Fifty-fourth 
was engaged in picket and fatigue duty. Col. E. N. Hallowell, 
iiaving recovered from the wounds received on the night of the 
18th of July, returned, and took command of the regiment, Oct. 
17. It remained on Morris Island until the 28th of January, 
1864 ; when it left to take part in an expedition to Florida, under 
command of Brig.-Gen. Seymour. The expedition sailed on the 
5th of February from Hilton Head, and arrived at Jacksonville, 
Fla., next day. The Fifty-fourth Was the first to land ; received 
the fire of. the enemy's pickets, and drove them from the town. 
On the 20th, it took part in the battle at Olustee ; and, as it consti- 
tuted tlie reserve in the fight, it was the last to leave the field, 
and covered the retreat. On the evening of the 22d, the regiment 
reached Jacksonville ; having marched one hundred and twenty 
miles in one hundred and two hours, and at roll-call showed no 
stragglers. 

Its loss in that battle was, in killed, wounded, and missing, 
eighty-seven officers and men. The Fifty-fourth entered this 
fight with the cry, " Three cheers for Massachusetts, and seven 
dollars a month ! " 

It remained at Jacksonville until the 17th of April, when it 
returned to Morris Island, and encamped within range of the ene- 
my's guns. July 1, it comprised part of Gen. Foster's force in 
an expedition to James Island. 

On the 2d, it held the skirmish-line on the ground which was 
the scene of its maiden fight the year previous. The day is mem- 
orable for its intense heat. Fifty men from this regiment alone 
were carried on stretchers from the skirmish-line to the rear, sun- 
struck. 

On the 10th, the Fifty-fourth returned to Morris Island. 

On the 7th of September, six companies of this regiment were 
specially detailed to guard six hundred rebel officers sent to Mor- 
ris Island, and placed under fire by the United-States Government, 
in retaliation for the same number of our prisoners in Charleston 
exposed to the fire of our guns. The rebel officers were confined 
in a large open pen to the north of Fort Wagner, and within 
canister-range of the guns. The guard-duty was severe, and the 
utmost vigilance was necessary. None of the prisoners escaped. 
On the 20th of October, they were removed, and the regiment 
resumed its siege-duties. 

An act of Congress was passed July 16, 1862, designed to 
apply to the employment of contrabands in camp service in 



THE FIFTY-FOUnTIT AT CHARLESTON. 453 

the intrenchmeiits, or in performing any other hibor in connec- 
tioL, with the army ; limiting their wages to ten doUars per month. 
Understanding tiiat law as applicable to colored troops, the pay- 
master refused to allow the men of the Fifty-fourth any more than 
that sum, exclusive of clothing. Tlie men of African descent, 
some of whom bore no traces of their origin in tlieir complexions, 
with proper self-respect refused to accept the wages of the con- 
traband. The Legislature of Massachusetts, upon the recom- 
mendation of the Governor, interposed, and voted to make up the 
deficiency in the wages. They accordingly appointed Major 
Sturgis paymaster, under orders to proceed at once to the camps 
of the colored soldiers. 

Tlie men, though needing every dollar of the just reward of their 
services, with a sense of propriety, and true regard for their own 
manhood, rejected the offer of such compensation, preferring to 
wait until the Government conceded their rights, and recognized 
their equality with the rest of the troops of the Union army. 

An extensive correspondence followed between Gov. Andrew 
and the President, Attorney-General, and members of Congress, 
in which the Chief Executive of the Commonwealth ably and suc- 
cessfully advocated the cause of the colored soldiers. The barri- 
ers of prejudice gave way ; and one of the proudest triumphs of 
statesmansliip and philanthropy crowned the exhaustive discus- 
sion of the legal status of the citizen soldiery of the State, whose 
only fault was the color of their skin. 

On the 28th of September, every man of the regiment received 
from the United-States Government thirteen dollars per month, 
dating from his enlistment. The soldiers of the Fifty-fourth 
were at last recognized as men. 

The regiment became incorporated with the coast division, 
under Gen. Hatch, and on the last day of November marched 
inland, and engaged the enemy at Honey Hill. During the month 
of December, the regiment was at Devauxand Graham's Necks. 

Jan. lo, 1865, it made a connection with Blair's corps of Sher- 
man's army, and, from this time until the 27th of February, 
skirmished nearly every day, but without serious loss. On the 
evacuation of Charleston by the rebels, the two companies left 
at Morris Island took possession of the city, Feb. 18. Thus this 
citadel of the Rebellion was first guarded by loyal colored soldiers. 
Meanwhile the commissioning, and mustering into the service of 
the United States, Sergeant Stephen A. Swails, as second lieu- 
tenant, for gallantry in the battle of Olustee, was a most gratify- 



454 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

iiig testimony to the soldierly qualities of the men of the F'fty- 
fourth. On the 27th, the regiment entered Cliarleston, and, or the 
13th of March, Savannah. In both cities it was enthusiasti- 
cally welcomed by those who had continued loyal to the old flag. 
On the 27th, the Fifty-fourth set out on an expedition to George- 
town, S.C. This was no holiday excursion, as the results proved. 
On the march, frequent skirmishes, and at Boykin's Mills quite a 
brisk engagement, took place. The regiment reached its desti- 
nation on the 25th. An officer wrote, — 

During the whole march, the troops were in excellent spirits, and 
both officers and men carried out instructions with energy and cheerfulness. 
The amount of property destroyed by the Fifty-fourth during the expedition 
was twenty-six steam-engines, seventy-nine cars and their contents, trestle- 
work, bridges, railroad-tracks, machine-shops, saw-mills, one grist-mill, and a 
large quantity of cotton. We also turned into the quartermaster's dc^jart- 
ment a hundred and sixty horses and mules. The whole . division released 
over six thousand slaves. The colored people were the only loyal people we 
found ; and, without their aid, we should have tried in vain to penetrate the 
interior of South Carolina. During the whole of this expedition, the troops 
were obliged to subsist mainly upon the country. We found upon every plan- 
tation large stores of grain and bacon, also large quantities of wine. There 
were enough commissary-stores found along our route to supply a large army 
for many months ; showing clearly that the excuse made by the enemy for 
starving their prisoners of war was a direct lie. Not only every necessary 
could have been supplied, but almost every luxury. 

May 6, the regiment returned to Charleston. A part of it remained there 
on garrison-duty : nearly all of it was scattered through the State to garrison 
small posts. Nothing worthy of note transpired from this date till Aug. 17, 
when we rendezvoused at Mount Pleasant for the purpose of making the 
muster-out rolls. On the 21st, the regiment embarked for Massachusetts, 
and arrived at Galloupe's Island on the 27th. 

Sept. 1, the men received their final payment. On the 2d, we proceeded 
to the city of Boston, and, after marching through the principal streets, were, 
at twelve, m., disbanded on Boston Common, and the color's handed over to 
his Excellency the Governor. 

We add an incident of valor, reported and vouched for by Col. 
Hallowell : — 

During the assault upon Fort Wagner, July 18, 186-3, the sergeant carry- 
ing the national colors of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers fell ; but, 
before the colors reached the ground. Sergeant Carney, of Company C, 
grasped them, and bore them to the parapet of the fort, where he received 
wounds in both legs, in the breast, and in the right arm : he, however, 



THE FIFTY-FIFTH IN NORTH CAROLINA. 455 

refused to give up his trust. When the regiment retired from the fort, Ser- 
geant Carney, by the aid of his comrades, succeeded in reaching the hospital, 
still holding on to the flag, where he fell exhausted and almost lifeless on the 
floor, saying, " The old flag never touched the ground, boys ! 

FIFTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 

The Fifty-fifth Regiment was partly recruited before the Fifty- 
fourth left Beadville ; and its organization, purpose, and history are 
of the same general interest. It sailed from Boston, July 21, 
1863, for Morehead City, N.C., under the following officers : — 

Colonel Norwood P. Hallowell. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... Alfred S. Hartwell. 

Major Charles B. Fox. 

Surgeon William S. Brown. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Burt G. Wilder. 

Chaplain William Jackson. 

"We subjoin the following extract from Col. Hallowell's account 
of the early services of the Fifty-fifth : — 

Arrived at Morehead City, N.C., on the 25th of July. From thence we 
went by rail to Newborn, N.C. ; arriving about ten, p.m., same day. We 
were here entertained by the First North-Carolina Colored Volunteers, with 
coftee for the men. and a good supper for officers. After partaking of the 
repast, we were conducted to our company-ground on the bank of the Neuse, 
and near its junction with the Trent, where we bivouacked, and next day pitched 
the camp, — men in shelter-tents, and officers in A or wedge tents. From the 
26th to the 29th, inclusive, were engaged lii'cleai-ing camp of stumps and other 
rubbish, and had brigade-drills every afternoon and evening. July 30, 
received orders from Brig.-Gen. Wild to embark for Charleston, S.C., as 
soon after daylight as possible, in light marching-order, without horses, bag, 
or baggage. I requested permission to take company book-boxes, and a few 
other articles necessary to carry on the administration of the regiment, but was 
refused. The entire camp was left standing, guarded by invalid corps, under 
charge of Lieut, Nichols. Forty-eight men from the Second North-Carolina 
Colored Volunteers were armed, equipped, and rationed, to fill the places of sick 
men. At quarter-past nine, a.m., July 30, we embarked, during a heavy 
rain-storm, six hundred men on the steamer " Maple Leaf," and four hun- 
dred on schooner " Recruit," the latter under command of Major Fox. Ar- 
riving at the bar ofi'Hatteras, had to lighten the " Maple Leaf" by transfer- 
ring fifty men, under Lieuts. Gannett and Harman, and Capt. Wilder's- 
company from Fortress Monroe, to the schooner " William A. Crocker." 
" The Maple Leaf" arrived at and discharged her cargo on Pawnee Landing, 



456 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

south end of Folly Island, at half-past two, p.m. Aug. 3, marched to north 
end of Folly Island, and bivouacked on the shore. Aug. 4, received orders 
to establish permanent camp in same place. Did so with a vengeance. The 
rising tide, at midnight of the 3d, threatened to float us out. Same morning, 
the entire battalion, six companies, were ordered on flitigue-duty at IMorris 
Island. Of course they went, giving to the camp to be estabUshed a very per- 
manent appearance, truly. Aug. 5, moved to present encampment in the 
woods near the shore, and still at the north end of Folly Island. Aug. 6, 
Gen. Wild and myself started in the steamer " Mary Benton " in search of 
the schooners having on board the balance of the brigade. Found them gen- 
erally short of water, and sufiering considerably. Lieuts. Gannett and Bar- 
man, with then- fifty men, finally arrived on the evening of Aug. 8. Ma- 
jor Fox, with his eight hundred men, arrived on the afternoon of the 9th. 
From first to last, every man and ofiicer has been worked on Moms Island 
almost continually, night and day. The sudden transition from the climate 
of Boston to that of Charleston has a prostrating effect. The excessive fatigue 
exceeds that experienced by old soldiers at the trenches of Yorktown. 

He adds, — 

The men are behaving splendidly, only too happy to be doing their part in 
this good work. 

During the months of August and September, the regiment 
furnished large fatigue-parties for work on Morris Island, most of 
the time on the batteries and in the trenches. Detachments were 
sent to the different islands in the vicinity of Charleston. In 
December, the men were offered seven dollars per month as pay ; 
which they declined, as contrary to their terms of enlistment. 
They also declined the offer of the State to make good for them 
the deficit, preferring to await the action of Congress. 

In the resignation of Col. Hallowell, the regiment sustained a 
severe loss. He was devoted to their interests, and was a brave 
and generous officer. 

The histories of the First and Second Colored Regiments may 
be considered as almost identical. They served together in the 
Departments of the South, and were present in the same engage- 
ments in South Carolina. They remained on the islands in 
Charleston Harbor during January, 1864, and, in February, went 
on the expedition to Florida. The Fifty-fifth, however, did not 
take part in the battle of Olustee, having been kept as garrison 
at Jacksonville until the arrival of the Twenty-fourth Massachu- 
setts. Soon after that battle, the regiment divided ; one-half the 
companies, undei- Col. Hartwell, forming part of the garrison at 



THE FIFTY-FIFTH AT CHARLESTON. 457 

Pilatki : the rest were stationed at Yellow Bluff and Fort Frib- 
ley. In April, the different detachments returned to Charleston 
Harbor. 

July 2, 1864, the Fifty-fifth formed a part of the force under 
Gen. Schimelfening in the advance upon Charleston, being a por- 
tion of the immediate command of Col. A. S. Hartwell, which 
crossed to the James by way of Long and Tiger Islands, driving 
in the outposts of the enemy, and capturing two twelve-pounder 
Napoleon guns and three prisoners. Tlie regiment lost in this 
affair seven enlisted men killed, and two commissioned officers 
and nineteen enlisted men wounded ; two of the latter mortally. 
On the morning of July 10, the command recrossed to Folly 
by way of Cole's Island. On the return of the regiment to Folly 
Island, Col. Hartwell was assigned to the command of the post, 
and did not again take command of the regiment until it was 
ordered to be mustered out. At about this time, some trouble 
was anticipated in consequence of the continued delay in tlie pay- 
ment of the men ; but nothing serious occurred. The feeling in 
the regiment was no doubt aggravated by the refusal to muster 
in three sergeants regularly appointed and commissioned by the 
Governor. During the remainder of the stay of the Fifty-fifth on 
Folly Island, the duty was quite severe for both officers and men, 
owing to the small number of troops on the island. 

On the 27tli of November, eight companies of this regiment 
were attached to the expedition under Gen. Hatcli up Broad 
River, and took part in the action at Honey Hill, losing thirty-one 
killed, and one hundred and tl>irty-eight wounded. Col. Hartwell, 
who commanded a brigade, was brevetted brigadier-general for 
his conduct in this action. In January, 1805, the Fifty-fifth 
occupied Forts Barstow and Jackson, a portion of the defences of 
Savannah River. In February, the regiment was transferred to 
Charleston Harbor, and engaged, under direction of Gen. Schimel- 
fening, in an advance on the rebel pickets on James Island. 

Feb. 21, Tlie Fifty-fifth crossed to Charleston, and tiie next 
morning started with the column, under Gen. Potter, in pursuit 
of the retreating garrison of that city ; which was followed, with 
occasional skirmishing, to the Santee River at St. Stephen's Depot, 
where the rebels had crossed twenty-four hours in advance, and 
burned the bridge. Tins expedition lived, in a great measure, 
upon the country, finding abundant provisions on all the large 
plantations, and, returning, reached Charleston March 10, 1865. 

68 



458 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Up to the 7th of May, 1865, the regiment was stationed at dif- 
ferent points iii the vicinity of Charleston. 

Sunday, March 25, the remains of the dead who were killed 
in the action on James Island, July 2, 1864, and had been left by 
the rebels unburied within their picket-lines since tliat date, were 
collected, and buried with proper ceremonies on a bluff over- 
looking Charleston, on the banks of the Ashley. It is worthy of 
remark, that, among the bones of nine skeletons, not a single skull 
was found. 

\ Until the order for mustering out the regiment was received, it 
was engaged in guard-duty at various points in South Carolina. 
The regiment left Charleston Harbor for Massachusetts in two 
detachments, — the one on board the " Karnac," Sept 6 ; the other 
followed on the " Ben Deford," Sept. 14. 

On Saturday, Sept. 23, the Fifty-fifth Regiment was paid off, 
and discharged from the service of the United States, and on the 
Monday following marched through the city of Boston, where it 
was received by the committee of the colored citizens and the 
Recruiting Committee, and had a dress-parade and a collation on 
the Common ; when, with but few exceptions, the members left 
quietly for their homes by the afternoon trains. 

It has been remarked that the colored regiments raised in Massa- 
chusetts more than fulfilled the expectations entertained of them 
by their friends. They added to the military reputation of the 
Commonwealth, gave strength to the Union cause, and forever 
silenced the clamor against them in advance by the enemies of 
the colored race. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 
VETERAN REGIMENTS. 

The Finv-sixth. — Its Organization. — Wilderness Campaign. — Before Petersburg.— 
Jerusalem Plank-road. — At Burkesville. — Return Home.— The Fifty-seventh.— 
Leaves the State. — Joins the Ninth Corps at AnnapoHs.— Marches to the Front. — 
Wilderness Campaiffu.-" The Crater." —Poplar-grove Church. — Spring Campaign 
of 1865. — Mustered out. — The Fifty-eighth. — Leaves Home. — At Bristow Sta- 
tion — Wilderness. — Petersburg. — The Mine Charge of Colored Troops.— Pegram 
House. — Fort Sedcjewick. — Home. — Discharge. — The Fifty-ninth. — Col. Gould. — 
Regiment at the Front.— Death of Lieut.-Col. Hodges. — Fort Stedman. — South- 
side Railroad. —Tenallytowm. —Consolidation. 

FIFTY- SIXTH REGIMENT. 

THE Fifty-sixth (First Veteran) Regiment Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers was organized, during the winter of 1863, by Col. 
Charles Griswold, at Camp Meigs, Readville. 
The following is its roll of officers : — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
3Iajor 
Surgeon 
Assistant Surgeon 



Charles E. Griswold. 
Stephen M. Weld, jun. 
Horace P. Williams. 
F. Fletcher Oakes. 
Horatio S. Soule. 



March 21, the regiment left the State, and, on its arrival at 
Annapolis, occupied Camp Holmes until the 23d of April ; when 
it marched to Alexandria, Va., and became attached to the first 
brigade, first division. Ninth Army Corps, with which, a few days 
subsequently, it joined the Army of the Potomac at Bealton, in its 
" on to Richmond." 

Crossing the Rapidan May 5, the First Veteran Regiment par- 
ticipated in most of the bloody contests of this unexampled cam- 
paign; losing many in killed, wounded, and captured. Among 
the^'former was its noble leader. Col. Griswold. We quote from 
official records : — 

After marching with the army to the position in front of Petersburg, the 
regiment took part in the successful charge ou the enemy's lines of June 17, 

459 



460 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

losing one officer and eighteen men killed, forty men wounded and five men 
missing, and capturing fifty-two prisoners. From this time until July 30, the 
regiment laid in the lines before Petersburg, constantly under fire, losing six 
men killed, and three officers and nineteen men wounded. 

July 30, the regiment took part in the charge on the enemy's works after 
the mine esj)losion, losing ten men killed, three officers and twenty-two men 
wounded, and two officers and twenty men taken prisoners. After this action, 
the regiment remained in rear of the line of works until Aug. IT, losing one 
man killed, and one wounded. 

Auo'. 19, went into action near the Weldon Railroad, losing one man 
killed, and two officers and seven men wounded. On the 21st, in a skirmish, 
lost one man killed. 

Remained in camp near Yellow Tavern until Sept. 30, when the regiment 
went into action near the Pegram House, losing one man killed, one officer 
and seven men wounded, and thirty men taken prisoners, of whom two were 
wounded. 

After throwing up fortifications, the regiment camped near Fort Welch until 
Oct. 2G ; when it went on a reconnoissance towards Hatcher's Run, and re- 
turned, after a little skirmishing, without loss. 

Oct. 27, returned to the same camp, and remained until Nov. 30 ; on which 
day the regiment marched to the right, and relieved a part of the Second Corps 
in Fort Davis, nest on the left of Fort Hell. 

On the 12th of December, it moved to the front of Petersburg. 

The regiment belonged to the first brigade, first division, Ninth Army 
Corps, until a short time after the battle of Aug, 19. The division was then 
broken up on account of its diminished numbers, and the regiment assigned 
to the second brigade, second division. No loss in battle has ever affected 
the regiment so much as the destruction of the division at the head of which 
Gen. T. G. Stevenson died, and Gen. Julius White displayed such chivalric 
bravery, and of the brigade of six Massachusetts regiments which Gen. Bart- 
lett led in the cliarge on " the crater." 

The Fifty-sixth was in garrison at Fort Hayes from Jan. 1, 18G5, doing 
picket-duty, &c., until April 1, 1865, when it participated in the attack on 
Petersburg. The regiment held for a long time the line of rebel works on 
the Jerusalem Plank-road, assisted only by the Fifth ^Massachusetts Battery. 
All our other troops had been forced to abandon the line ; and, had not the 
Fifty-sixth held the key:point with great tenacity, the rebels would have re- 
gained the whole line. The loss was one officer killed, and three wounded; 
two enlisted men killed, and ten wounded. 

The regiment marched with the Ninth Corps to Burkesville, Ya., guard- 
ing the railroad, prisoners, &c., until the surrender of Lee's army. They 
then marched back to City Point, and took transports from there for Alexan- 
dria, arriving there about the 25th of April. We were in camp here for two 
months and a half, and then were mustered out on the 12th of July, and 
ordered to report at Readville, Mass., where the regiment was paid oft" and 
discharged. 



THE FIFTY-SEVENTH IN THE WILDERNESS. 461 



FIFTY- SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

The Fifty-seventh (Second Veteran) Massachusetts Volunteers 
was organized in Worcester during the autumn of 1863 and the 
winter and spring of 1864. 

It left tlie State, April 18, with its organization hardly com- 
pleted ; one company, H, being unarmed, and having no officers 
aside fi-om a second lieutenant. 

It was intended that this company should be armed with the 
Spencer repeating-rifle : but, owing to some difficulty in obtaining 
the weapon in question, it became necessary, upon arriving at 
Annapolis, Md., to equip it with Enfield rifle d-muskets ; and it was 
not until the 20th of July that the desired arm was obtained. 

The officers of the Fifty-seventh were, — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant - Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 
Chaplain . 



William F. Bartlett. 
Edward P. Hollister. 
William T. Harlow. 
Whitman V. White. 
Charles E. Heath. 
Alfred H. Dashiell, jun. 



The regiment arrived at Annapolis, Md., xVpril 20, and was as- 
signed to the Nintli Army Corps, and ordered to proceed immedi- 
ately to Washington, D.C. Passing through this city April 25, the 
corps was reviewed by the President and Gen. Burnside, and contin- 
ued its march towards the front, arriving at Rappahannocl^ Station 
r^ May 3. Crossing the Rapidan May 5, it advanced into the Wilder- 
ness, and became engaged in the action of the 6th, sustaining a loss 
of two hundred and fifty-one in killed, wounded, and missing. 
Among the wounded was the colonel. In the action of the 12th 
and 18th near Spottsylvania, and in that of the 24th at the North 
Anna River, the regiment suffered severely. In the latter, Lieut.- 
Col. Chandler, commanding the regiment, was captured ; and the 
command devolved on Capt. J. M. Tucker. After a continuous 
and fatiguing march, the Fifty-seventh reached a point near Cold 
Harbor June 1, and took part in the operations in that vicinity. 

On the night of the loth, it crossed the James. On the 16th, 
its camp was within sight of the suburbs of Petersburg. During 
the afternoon of the 17th, a portion of the enemy's lines was 
assaulted by the third division. Ninth Corps, without success. At 



462 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

sunset, the third division of the Ninth Corps, with which the 
Fifty-seventh was connected, advanced in excellent order under a 
heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and carried the works at the 
point of the bayonet, though with the loss of five officers and forty- 
one men. Among the wounded was Capt. J. M. Tucker. From 
the ITth until the 30th, when they were relieved by colored 
troops, the men were performing duty in the trenches. On the 
oOth, under the command of Major Albert Prescott, they took 
part in the action of" the crater." Writes an officer, — 

In the charge which immediately followed the springing of the mine, the 
regiment passed directly through the ruins of the fortification into a covered way 
connecting with the fort, and running parallel with the front hue of the ene- 
my's works. 

Arriving at this point, and receiving a severe front and right and left enfi- 
lading fire of musketry and artillery, and being much disordered by the 
uneven nature of the ground, the line halted, and ^ected a slight work on 
the side of the way facing the enemy. 

Being ordered to maintain this position, the troops remained firm, and suc- 
cessfully resisted every attempt of the enemy to dislodge them, until the 
charge and repulse of the fourth division (colored). Ninth Army Corps. 
This division fell back in the greatest confusion, the troops seeking shelter in 
the covered way, already densely filled by regiments of the first and second 
division of the Ninth Army Corps. The repulse of the fourth division was 
immediately followed by a charge from the enemy, who advanced his line to 
the brink of the covered way, delivering a heavy fire, which added to the 
confusion of the troops, then so crowded as to be unable to make use of their 
fire-arms. At this period of the action, the national standard of the Fifty- 
seventh was captured ; its guard and the greater portion of the left wing of the 
regiment going with it. 

All attempts to rally the troops proved fruitless, the men falling back as 
rapidly as the crowded condition of the passage would permit. At the com- 
mencement of the action, the regiment numbered seven officers, and ninety- 
one enlisted men. Casualties during the action: officers, sis; viz.. Major 
Prescott, Capts. Dresser and Howe, killed ; Lieuts. Barton and Anderson, 
wounded, and Lieut. Reed, missing ; enlisted men, forty-five ; leaving the 
remnant of the regiment in command of First Lieut. Albert Doty. 

July 31, the regiment resumed its duty in the trenches, remaining until 
Aug. 18, during which period five enlisted men were killed or wounded. 
Aug. 19, the regiment. First Lieut. A. Doty commanding, took part in the 
operations against the Weldon Hailroad, entering the action with one officer 
and forty-five enlisted men. The battle was of an hour's duration, and hotly 
contested. Casualties, fifteen enlisted men. 

From the field of action the regiment moved Aug. 25, and constructed a 
line of works near Blick's Station. 



THE FIFTY-SEVENTH BEFORE PETERSBURG. 463 

Sept. 14, Col. A. B. IM'Laughlin assumed command of the brigade, Lieut. 
J. M. Tucker coiniiKinding the regiment. In the action of Poplar-grove 
Church, and on the oOth of October near the Pegram House, the Fifty- 
seventh was engaged, suffering considerable loss. 

Oct. 26, it took part in the movement against the South-side Railroad; 
and, on the 9th of December, in the movement against the Weldon Railroad. 
On the 12th, the return-march commenced; and, on the 13th, the regiment 
joined its brigade in the trenches. 

From the 1st of January until the 25th of March, the regiment remained 
within the lines before Petersburg, with the exception of participating in Gen. 
WaiTcn's reconnoissance towards the Weldon Railroad. 

On March 25, the Fifty-seventh, having the day before relieved the Fifty- 
ninth in the lines to the right of Fort Stedman, were engaged in the memora- 
ble repulse of Gordon's corps, which inaugurated the closing scenes of the war. 
At half-past three o'clock, a.m., the enemy in strong force carried the works 
held by the Fourteenth New- York Artillery, and flanked the line of the 
Fifty-seventh, who fell back from their works, skirmishing as they went, and 
earning for themselves a proud record. Having at last reached a position which 
could be held, they there remained until supported by some troops of the 
Pennsylvania division, when the Fifty-seventh led the advance in the charge 
from that part of the field, and again entered their camp and works in tri- 
umph; Sergeant-Major (afterwards Lieut.) Pinkham capturing, by a singular 
poetic justice, the flag of the Fifty-seventh North-Carohna. 

On the 3d of April, we entered Petersburg, and were ordered beyond the 
river to guard the roads to Richmond and Chesterfield, on which the rebel 
army had retreated ; and, on the 4th, were placed on duty on the Boydtown 
and Cox's Roads, moving out on subsequent days, and guarding the railroad 
and Cox's Road in advance of the army at various points, until at last head- 
quarters were established at Wilson's Station. Immediately after the assassina- 
tion of the President, the Ninth Army Corps was ordered to Washington on 
special duty, and, arriving there in the latter part of April, were reviewed by 
Gen. Wilcox, and placed on duty on the Maryland side, near Tenallytown. 
From this time till August, when mustered out, the regiment remained in 
and about Washington, doing provost-duty for about three weeks at various 
important points ; being discharged at Readville, Aug. 9, 1865. The 
Fifty-ninth Massachusetts was consolidated with this regiment on the twen- 
tieth day of June, 1865. 

The officers and men of the regiment will long lament Major James 
Doherty, mortally wounded, March 25, while gallantly encouraging the regi- 
ment in their unequal contest. He was a thorough soldier, a man of vast 
experience in many lands and many occupations, a kind-hearted, rough- 
spoken, brave old soldier, whose memories were a source of pleasure to his 
friends, and of profit to the service, which learned his value only in time to 
mourn his loss, and know how great it was. 



464 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 



FIFTY- EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

Tlie organization of eight companies of this regiment (Third 
Veteran) was completed on the 25th of April, 1864. 

ROSTER OF OFFICERS. 

Colonel ...... Silas P. Richmond. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... John C. Whiton. 

JIajor ...... Bai-nabas Ewer, jun. 

Surgeon ...... Alfred A. Stocker. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Frank. Whitman. 

CTiaplain ..... William A. Start. 

These eight companies left Readville April 2S, and reached 
Alexandria, Ya., on the 30th, and Bristow Station May 2. Here 
the regiment was assigned to the first brigade, second division, 
Ninth Army Corps, with which it crossed the Rapidan, and par- 
ticipated in the fatigues, perils, and victories of Gen. Grant's ad- 
vance to Richmond. 

Within eight days of the arrival of the Fifty-eighth in Virginia, 
it was engaged in a severe battle ; and, from tliat time until August, 
few days of rest from marching or fighting intervened. In tlie 
advance from the Rapidan to the James, the history of the Fifty- 
eighth is so similar to that of the Fifty-seventh as not to demand 
a recital here. 

The day following the arrival of the regiment before Petersburg 
is a memorable one. It was the 17th of June. Orders were given 
to assault the enemy's works. The men, though jaded and wea- 
ried by long marches, obeyed with alacrity. 

The object was accomplished with much less difficulty and much 
less loss than was expected. The result of this morning's work was 
the capture of two forts or redoubts, three guns, one stand of col- 
ors, and a hundred and ninety prisoners. The casualties were two 
commissioned officers and fourteen enlisted men wounded. On 
the following day (Saturday, 18th), the regiment took part in the 
expedition to the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad. The capture 
of the railroad was a complete success ; but the enemy were not 
dislodged from their works. 

From this time until the 30th of July, the regiment remained 



THE FIFTY-EIGHTH BEFOBE PETEIiSBURG. 465 

ill front of Petersburg, but was engaged in no battle. It had been 
announced that a rebel fort directly in front of the brigade to 
which the Fifty-eighth belonged had been mined, and was to be 
blown up at four o'clock, a.m. 

We quote the graphic report of an officer : — 

That part which had been assigned to us was to pass down the covered 
way as soon as the movement commenced, cross the railroad, go through the 
ravine to the left, ascend the hill, cross the corn-field, and enter the fort 
through the gap which was expected to be made by the explosion of the mine. 

As the hour diew near, the interest thickened, and every eye was directed 
towards the fort. Finally, a slight trembling of the ground, a deep, heavy, 
prolonged noise, accompanied by dirt, and fragments of timber, spades, shovels, 
and parts of wheels flying high in air, announced the fact that the explosion 
had taken place. At the same instant, artillery from the whole length of 
the line opened a furious and terrible fii"e upon the enemy's works. The 
interest and excitement were intense. 

The infantry moved forward immediately upon the opening of the artillery. 
At the onset, each regiment took, and kept for a time, the position assigned it ; 
but, in passing through the covered way to the railroad, we met and became 
intermixed with the troops of another corps that were returning. 

Still our brigade kept on its way, crossed the railroad and ravine, ascended 
the hill, crossed our outer line of works, crossed the corn-field, and passed 
into the chasm of the fort. This was accomplished under a most galling fire 
from the enemy, both of musketry and artillery. 

In reaching the fort, we were obliged to pass other troops who were lying 
in thick confusion behind debris and the vacated works recently occupied by 
the enemy ; and thus the right and left wings of the regiment became sepa- 
rated. Before we had quite succeeded in bringing the two wings together, we 
were ordered to charge upon a battery which was situated a quarter of a mile 
in rear of the one we had mined. The gi'ound between us and the battery 
was an open field, exposed on both sides and in front to the enemy's fire 
of musketiy and artillery. 

It was easy to see that the task assigned us was difficult and dangerous, if 
not impossible to perform ; yet the order was promptly obeyed. 

Advancing with the rest of our brigade a short distance into the open field, 
it was discovered that some of the regiments were bearing to the right, in the 
direction of a battery situated near the woods. It appeared there was a mbun- 
derstanding as to which batteiy it was intended to capture. This caused a slight 
confusion. The firing from the enemy was incessant : the line wavered, and 
finally broke ; the men filing off into the fort, and into the saps and trenches 
which led from it. Again the order was given to charge upon the battery 
across the field ; again the attempt was made and failed, the men retiring to 
the fort, filling the chasm and the trenches to overflowing. 

The enemy, probably discovering our confiision, made prepai-ations for reeap- 

59 



466 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

turing the fort we now occupied. Behind the works where we lay was a bii- 
gade of negro troops which had not yet been engaged. Receiving orders to 
make a counter charge upon the enemy, they fixed bayonets, leaped over the 
parapet and down the embankment, pell-mell into the trenches, which were 
already filled with white troops. 

A scene of confusion now followed which it is impossible to describe. 
Colors which had been planted were thrown down, and trampled in the mud ; 
and there in the trenches lay white men and negroes, piled up three or four 
deep in inextricable confusion. Not one man in fifty could use his musket ; 
and in this sitviation the enemy found us when they made their charge. Com- 
ing up on all sides in overwhelming numbers, escape seemed impossible. The 
fort was surrendered at two, p.m. The loss of the regiment was five killed, 
thirty wounded, and eighty-four prisoners. 

From this time up to the 30th of September, the troops were comparatively 
inactive. They now marched out, and crossed^ the Weldon Railroad near 
Yellow House. 

We formed line of battle, with skirmishers in advance, and found the ene- 
my in force near Poplar-spring Church. We drove them from their works. 
Arriving at or near the Pegram House, it was discovered that the Fifth and 
Ninth Corps did not connect. The enemy, taking advantage of this failure to 
connect, came down upon us in overpowering numbers, turned the tide of suc- 
cess in their favor, and succeeded in capturing many prisoners. Our losses 
were two killed, ninety-nine wounded, and ten taken prisoners. 

It now seemed as if the Fifty-eighth, as a regiment, had become extinct. 
So few were we in numbers, compared with the other regiments, that we 
were sent to a camp in the rear. This camp was in the vicinity of Hancock 
Station, two miles from Petersburg. Here the regiment remained until April 2. 
Meanwhile it had been joined by Company K, materially increasing its num- 
ber of eflfective men. 

Early on the morning of April 2, the regiment, with a portion of the bri- 
gade, and in connection with other troops, made an attack upon the enemy's 
works. The place attacked was a little to our left of Fort Sedgewick, some- 
times known as " Fort Hell," and to the enemy's right of Fort Mahone. The 
attack was a complete success, the enemy being driven from the portion of the 
lines attacked ; and, although several attempts to retake them were made, 
they were held, under severe fire from the enemy's batteries, until four, p.m. ; 
when, our loss having been heavy, the enemy succeeded in gaining the ground 
from which this portion of the brigade had driven them in the morning. The 
loss during the day was five killed, seventeen wounded, and fourteen missing. 
All the missing subsequently reported to the regiment, upon their release, at 
the surrender of Lee's army- 

The enemy having evacuated during the night, on the morning of April 3 
the regiment left the uncomfortable camp it had so long occupied, and march- 
ing over the enemy's works, and through Petersburg, joined in the pursuit of 
the retreating army. 



THE FIFTY-NINTH IN THE WILDERNESS. 467 

The duty assigned the brigade was that of guarding wagon-trains. While 
thus engaged, and during the rest of the regiment's term of service, nothing 
specially worthy of note transpired. 

July 15, the Fifty-eighth broke camp at Alexandria, Va. ; reached Read- 
ville, Mass., on the 18th ; and received final payment and discharge on the 
26th. 



FIFTY- NINTH REGIMENT. 

The Fifty-ninth Regiment (Fourth Veteran) vs^as raised by Col. 
Gould, formerly major of the Thirteenth, a brave and meritorious 
officer ; and left Readville for Washington, D.C., April 26, 1864. 

Its roster of officers was, — 

Colonel ...... Jacob P. Grould. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... John Hodges, jun. 

Major ...... Joseph Colburn. 

Surgeon ...... William Ingalls. 

Assistant Surgeon .... Thomas GilfiUan. 

Chaplain ...... Hiram L. Howard. 

The regiment marched from Washington on the 29th, and went 
into camp n^ar Alexandria, Va. It left for the front May 2, and 
reported to Gen. Stevenson at GermaniaFord on the 5tli ; and, on 
the 6th (the tenth day after leaving home), the Fifty-ninth was 
engaged in the battle of the Wilderness. The history of this is 
substantially the same as that of the other regiments of this bri- 
gade during this remarkable campaign, and has been given else- 
where in this work. It was actively engaged in the actions of the 
6th, as above, — at Spottsylvania, Nt)rth Anna, and Cold Harbor. 
Crossing the James, it reached Petersburg on the 17th of June ; 
was held in reserve until five, p.m., when the division to which it 
belonged successfully charged the enemy's works after another 
division had twice been repulsed. The Fifty-ninth took part in 
the unsuccessful assault on the enemy's works, July 30. In this 
action, Lieut.-Col. Hodges, who had, with honor to himself and 
service to his country, commanded the regiment during nearly 
the whole campaign, was killed. Col. Gould being in command 
of a brigade, the charge of the regiment devolved on Major Col- 
burn. Aug. 14, a part of the regiment was in the action at the 
Weldon Railroad. On the 2d of October, it was partially engaged 
at Prebles House, and, on the 26th, took part in the reconnoissance 
near the South-side Railroad ; which proving unsuccessful, the 



468 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

regiment returned to camp on Pegram's Farm, where it remained 
until ordered to a position to the right of Fort Stedman, and 
held the right of tlie line of the third brigade, first division, 
Ninth Army Corps, commanded by Brig.-Gen. N. B. M'Laughlin. 
We quote from the official records : — 

Though the position was an important one, as was afterwards shown by the 
rebel attack on Fort Stedman when the line had been weakened by the with- 
drawal of the troops at this point to an interior position, and the establishment 
of a mere picket-line in the trenches, yet the regiment, which was at that time 
reduced to scarcely a hundred effective men, was obliged to guard a length of 
line of at least two hundred yards, — a work which required the utmost vigi- 
lance day and night, and, with the other necessary duties, left the men but 
little time for rest. The position combined several additional disadvantages. 
It was in a deep hollow, which the constant rains rendered very muddy ; and 
the underground bomb-proofs, which the exposure to the enemy's fire at this 
point rendered necessary, were, from the same reason, more or less full of water 
continually. It was, too, very near the enemy's picket-line, and, from the 
lowness of the ground, was commanded and completely swept by the enemy, 
who seemed to take advantage of this circumstance to keep upon it a constant 
picket-fire, almost unknown in contiguous parts of the line, which rendered it 
very unsafe to traverse the regimental line, and especially to keep up commu- 
nication with headquarters. The works, too, were in a very incomplete state 
when first occupied by the regiment ; and the unfavorable character of the 
ground caused portions of them to be from time to time swept away. The 
regiment, therefore, had constant work in repairing, and finally in entirely 
reconstructing, the line of works, in corduroying the trenches, and in building 
and making tenable and comfortable their quarters. But all praise is due to the 
noble spirit of the men, among whom there was very little discontent, a con- 
stant endeavor to make the best of their position, and especially a scrupulous 
attention to the neatness of their persons, accoutrements, and quarters, remark- 
able in such circumstances. 

About the middle of February, Lieut.-Col. Colburn obtained 
leave of absence ; and the command devolved on Major Gould. On 
the 15th of March, the regiment was relieved from the trenches, 
and occupied a camp to the rear and left of Fort Haskell. 

On the morning of the 25th of March, what seemed at first an unusually 
sharp picket-fire was heard. The regiment was immediately out, and under 
arms ; and in a few moments an aide brought the orders from brigade head- 
quarters for Major Gould to take his regiment with all possible speed to Bat- 
tery No. 11, a small lunette work to the left of Fort Stedman, occupied 
before the attack by the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts, which had been captured 
almost en masse by the overwhelming numbers of the rebels. Arriving 



THE FIFTY-NINTH IN PETERSBURG. 469 

there, Gen. jM'Laughlin ordered the veghnent to take possession of the place ; 
which was done with but little difficulty, as tlie rebels had left the place but 
illy defended in search of larger game. But, on going out very soon after to 
receive further orders from Gen. M'Lauglilin, Major Gould found that the gen- 
eral, with those of his staff present, had been captured, and that the lines on either 
side of him were completely deserted ; while th3 enemy, in a long line com- 
pletely outflanking his position, were advancing in his rear. It was a critical 
moment, and there was only one escape ; and orders were accordingly given to 
the regiment to leap the breastworks, and retreat between the rebel works and 
our own to Fort Haskell, the only enclosed work on the brigade line, and the 
position in which, as we afterwards found, had collected the most of the rem- 
nants of the brigade. From this fort, a galling fire with both musketry and artil- 
lery was kept up on the rebels in Fort Stedman and the adjacent portions of the 
lines, and no less from the right of the position which they had captured : and 
this terrible flanking fire on both sides, to which the batteries on the hill in 
the rear contributed too, rendered their position untenable ; so that, when the 
tliird division of the corps made the final charge, it found only a disorgan- 
ized and already retreating mass, which hurriedly threw down their arms. 

Sunday, the 1st of April, the grand combined attack was made at different 
points along the line ; but as the rebel position in our front was, or seemed, 
absolutely impregnable, the brigade took no part in it. Monday morning, 
quite early, we marched over the rebel works, and through them into Peters- 
burg, victors at last ; and the mighty exultation of that hour no one can de- 
scribe, but none of us can forget. 

The next few days, we remained encamped in the suburbs of the city, and 
then, by a hurried march night and day, were thrown on the South-side Rail- 
road, at a point thirty miles outside the city, and remained here till after the 
surrender of Lee's army, guarding the railroad, along which the division kept 
moving from point to point as fresh troops were brought up. About the 1st 
of iMay, the corps was ordered to Washington ; and, on arriving there, we en- 
camped for a week at Alexandria. Then, crossing the river, the first division 
of the corps encamped at Tenallytown, Md. Here the regiment remained 
until consolidated with the Fifty-seventh, July 1. 



CHAPTER XXYII. 

SIXTIETH, SIXTY-FIRST, AND SIXTY- SECOND REGIMENTS. 

Sixtieth. — Organization. — In Baltimore. — Sent to Indianapolis to look after the 
"Knights of the Golden Circle." — Mustered out. — Sixty-first. — Organization. — 
Officers. — At City Point. — Weldon Raikoad. — Isaac Noble. — Eegiment full. — In- 
dependent Brigade. — Fort Sedgewick. — Promotions. — Guarding Prisoners. — At 
Washington. — Eeturn Home. — Sixty-second. — Recruiting. — Officers. — Andrew- 
Sharpshooters. — First Company. — Officers. — On the Upper Potomac. — At Fred- 
ericksburg. — Gettysburg. — Mine Run. — Attached to the Twentieth Regiment. — 
Mustei-ed out. — Second Company. — Attached to the Twenty-second Regiment. — 
Mustered out. 

SIXTIETH REGIMENT, — "HUNDRED DAYS'." 

THE Sixtieth Regiment (hundred-days') Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers, Col. Ansel D. Wass, was organized at Readville, 
Mass., July 30, 1864, and immediately ordered to Baltimore, Md. : 
thence to Indianapolis, Ind., where it was sent on account of the 
conspiracy of an extensive organization known as the " Knights 
of the Golden Circle," or " Sons of Liberty." It remained in 
Indiana during its term of service, and was mustered out in 
November, 1864. 
Its roster of officers was, — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant- Colonel 
Major 
Surgeon 
Assistant Surgeon 



Ansel D. Wass. 
David ]\I. Woodward. 

Uriah Maeoy. 
Fred. W. Mercer. 
George H. Powers. 



The subjoined letter will indicate its honorable career : 

State of I2«diana, Executive Department, 
Indianapolis, Nov. 15, 1864. 

Col. Ansel D. Wass, Sixtieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. 
^"'' — As your command will shortly leave tliis port on account of the 
expiration of its term of enlistment, I desire to express to yourself, and to 
your officers and men, my high appreciation of the valuable services rendered 
to the country during the time you have been in this State. The duties which 

470 



THE SIXTY-FIRST AT CITY POIXT. 471 

have devolved upon the regiment have been of a most hnportant character, 
involving a degree of vigilance, labor, and responsibility, seldom required or 
ineurred°at interior ports ; and they have been performed with entire faithful- 
ness and alacrity. On all occasions, and under every circumstance, ofBcers 
auxl men, without exception, so far as I am advised, have exhibited the highest 
qualities and bearing of true soldiers ; and at all times the civil and military 
authorities have felt a confident reliance, in any contingency that might arise, 
on their bravery, discretion, and efficiency. 

It is with pleasure, therefore, that I tender to yourself and regiment the 
thanks of the State. Trusting that your journey to your homes may be safe 
and pleasant, and that you may one and all be blessed with health and 

prosperity, 

I have the honor to be 

Very sincerely and truly, 

O.P.MORTON, Governor of Indiana. 

Col. Wass entered the service, as first lieutenant, April 16, 
18131; was created captain, Aug. 22, 1861; lieutenant-colonel 
of the Forty-first Regiment, Sept. 6, 1862 ; lieutenant-colonel of 
the Nineteenth, May 23, 1863 ; colonel of the same regiment, 
Feb. 28, 1864; and colonel of the Sixtieth, July 30, 18b4. 
Col. Wass was wounded at Yorktown, Glendale, Gettysburg, and 
Bunker Station. 



SIXTY- FIRST REGIMENT. 

Recruiting for the Sixty-first Regiment commenced in August, 
1864. By the 1st of October, five companies had been filled, and 
were'encamped on Galloupe's Island, Boston Harbor. On the 7th 
of October, the battalion thus composed embarked on board a 
Government transport for the field of war, under command of 
Lieut.-Col. Charles F. Walcott. 

Other officers were, — 

Lieutenant -Colonel . . . Ebenezer W. Stone, jun. 

j\faior James G. C. Dodge. 

Surgeon James Oliver. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . Rufus A. Olloqui. 

Oct. 12, the regiment reached City Point, Ya., and was at once 
put on duty with Gen. Benham's engineer brigade, erecting 
fortifications. 

From this date until the 10th of November, the whole effective 



472 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

force of tlie battalion was employed in this work, without the in- 
termission of a day. It then moved two miles towards Prince 
George's Court House, on the extreme left of the defences of City 
Point, and, up to the 10th of December, was charged with picket- 
duty to cover the defences. Meanwhile the sixth company re- 
ported to the battalion in the field, and the Sixty-first, thus 
strengthened, with Benham's engineer brigade, marched to the 
extreme front to take the place of troops sent to co-operate with 
Gen. Warren's movement down the Weldon Railroad, and for 
two days held a portion of the line from Fort Sedgewick, commonly 
known as Fort Hell, to the scene of the mine explosion. 

On the 12tli of December, the battalion was ordered back to the 
old camp within the defences of City Point. 

Up to this time, the Sixty-first had not been engaged in battle, 
and the deaths from sickness had been very few. Wrote an 
officer, — 

One member of the battalion seems to be particularly worthy of mention, — 
Private Isaac B. Noble, of Company B, whose family reside in East Boston. 
The famous rebel scout, Sergeant Waterbury of the Third North-Carolina, 
made his escape from the prison at City Point, and was caught while trying 
to make his way through the pickets on the night of the 14tli of December. 
He represented himself as belonging to a company of Pennsylvania cavalry, 
on picket in front of the infantry. As he was dressed in a cavalry uniform, 
and was provided with a forged pass agreeing with his story, he was not re- 
garded with much suspicion. Noble was sent witli him beyond the infantry 
to the first cavalry post for identification, and, not being sufficiently on his 
guard against a supposed friend, was easily overpowered by a clever ruse, and 
found himself at the mercy of the scout. Ptetalning Noble as his prisoner, 
the scout, after spending a day in the attempt, succeeded in getting through 
the cavalry vedettes ; but Noble, who had been patiently watching for an 
opportunity, sprang upon his captor in an unguarded moment, and, regaining 
his gun, inflicted a mortal wound upon the rebel, and afterwards carried him 
more than half a mile to a point within our lines. Waterbury was one of 
the most useful scouts in the rebel service, and was an athletic man. Noble 
is a slightly built lad of nineteen : he received a furlough of thirty- five days 
from Gen. Meade, as a reward for his gallant conduct. 

At the close of the year, the battalion consisted of but six com- 
panies. 

Two others reported during the winter months. In February, 
the Sixty-first participated in the movement towards Hatcher's 
Run. But little, however, worthy of note transpired until the open- 
ing of the spring campaign. March 15, the two remaining compa- 



THE SIXTY-FIRST AT FORT MAHONE. 473 

iiies reported ; and the regiment, as then constituted, was assigned 
to an independent brigade, commanded by Brig.-Gen. C. T. Col- 
li?, charged with provost-duty at general headquarters. 

From the 29th of March to the surrender of Gen. Lee on the 
9th of April, the regiment was constantly under arms. On 
the 2d of April, when the rebel line was everywhere broken, the 
brigade to which the Sixty-first was attached operated with the 
Ninth Corps, and the regiment conducted itself with distinguished 
bravery in action. The official record says, — 

The Ninth Corps, by a most gallant coup de main, carried and occupied 
the enemy's works in front of Fort Sedgewick (Fort Hell) early in the morn- 
ing of the 2d. As soon as the first panic was over, the enemy, with even 
more than his usual obstinacy, attempted to retake the last position, and at 
last succeeded in recapturing Fort Mahone and the adjoining breastworks. 
At this critical moment (about two, p.m.), the Sixty-first Regiment, which 
had been lying in reserve, was ordered to charge the enemy. In a few 
minutes, though with the loss of thirty-five brave men, the regiment recap- 
tured the breastworks, and carried the parapet of Fort Mahone, driving the 
rebels behind the first traverse of the work. The loss in the regiment was 
exceeding small, considering the severity of the musketry and artillery fii-e 
through which they charged, owing to the rapidity and fierceness of their 
attack, which gave the enemy no opportunity for protracted resistance. The 
regiment remained in its position in the works until about midnight, when 
Brevet Capt. Henry W. Howard led a line of skirmishers, supported by the 
regiment, rapidly along the rebel works, and found them evacuated. In a 
few days. Gen. Lee's surrender ended the hard marching and exhausting 
duty in which the regiment was up to tliat time engaged. 

The regiment was honored by the uuprecedentedly large number of nine 
brevet promotions, given for gallant and meritorious services in the operations 
resulting in the fell of Richmond, and surrender of Gen. Lee's army, which 
were as follow, all bearing date April 9, 1865, the day of the surrender: — 

Colonel C. F. Walcott to be Brigadier-General. 

Lieutenant-Colonel . . E. W. Stone " Colonel. 

Major J. G. C. Dodge " Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Besides these, five first lieutentants were promoted to captain- 
cies, and one second lieutenant to first lieutenant. 

On the 12th, the regiment returned to City Point, having charge 
of what had been the army of Gen. Ewell. 

On the 1st of May, it marched for Washington, via Richmond, 
reaching its destination on the 12th, and, on the 23d, participating 
in the grand review. 

60 



474 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

' The five companies first in the field left Washington, and ar- 
rived in Readville, Mass., June 8, and were finally discharged on 
the 17th. The remaining companies were retained in service 
until the 20th of July. Arrived in Readville on the 22d, and were 
discharged on the 1st of August. 



SIXTY- SECOND REGIMENT. 

This regiment was under recruitment at the time of the sur- 
render of Gen. Lee ; and was mustered out before completion, 
by orders from the War Department. The command, consisting 
of eiglit officers and three hundred and eighty-one enlisted men, 
was mustered out May 5, 1865. Had this regiment been sent 
forward, it would have been commanded by Col. Ansel D, Wass, 
late of the Nineteenth, Forty-first, and Sixtieth Regiments. 

The officers were, — 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... I. Harris Hooper. 
Surgeon ...... Joshua B. Treadwell. 



THE FIRST COMPANY OF SHARPSHOOTERS 

Was recruited by Capt. Saunders at Lynnfield, and left for the 
seat of war Sept. 3, 1861. 

Its commissioned officers were, — 

Captain ...... John Saunders. 

Firzt Lieutenant William Gleason. 

Second LieutenatU .... John C. Gray. 

It was attached to the command of Gen. Lander, on the Upper 
Potomac, until his death, and then to the Fifteenth Massachusetts, 
and took part with it in all its engagements. Its services during 
1862 may be inferred from the fact, that, on the 1st of December 
of that year, the company was in camp at Falmouth, with but 
eighteen effective men, in command of Lieut. Martin. Here it 
w^as strengthened by the arrival of Capt. William Flumer and 
forty recruits. 

On the 11th, it protected the engineers in laying pontoon- 
bridges. The next day, it marched to the attack on Fredericks- 
burg, and, in the capacity of sharpshooters, was so effective against 
the enemy as to attract exclusively to itself one of his batteries. 



FIRST SHARPSHOOTERS AT GETTYSBURG. 475 

The company received the commendation of tlie general com- 
manding ; was withdrawn at night, and placed on picket ; and, on 
the IGth, returned to Falmouth to its old camp with the Fifteenth. 
It was employed. in protecting the engineers and in picket-duty 
until April 17, 1863 ; when it was attached to the second division, 
Second Corps headquarters, camping near it. 

May 3, it advanced with the second division up Fredericks- 
burg, and deployed to protect skirmishers in front of the ceme- 
tery. 

From June 9 until the 17th, details of the company w^ere 
employed in protecting the pickets of the Sixth Corps on tlie 
south side of the Rappahannock. These then returned, and 
joined the Army of the Potomac in its retrograde march, protect- 
ing the headquarters wagons of the second division. On the 21st, 
the company was placed in reserve until the 25th. It crossed the 
Potomac River, and encamped within two miles of Gettysburg, 
on the night of July 1. 

Next morning, the company was distributed along the line, 
from Rickett's battery into the outskirts of the town of Gettys- 
burg. Five men were sent to the front, and posted in a brick 
barn, where they opened fire upon the enemy with effect, causing 
him to shell the place and burn it down. 

In the afternoon of July 3, Lieut. Bicknell, with three men, 
penetrated the flying ranks of a portion of the rebels, and suc- 
ceeded in driving in a hundred and thirty of them as prisoners. 
He was complimented by the commanding general on the conduct 
of the Andrew Sharpshooters. The loss of the company was two 
killed and six wounded. 

July 4, it was in front all day, protecting skirmishers ; without 
any casualties, however. 

On the retreat of Gen. Lee, the company, under command of 
Sergeant Clement, joined in the pursuit ; the captain and lieu- 
tenant being in ambulances. On the 17th, Capt. Plumer was 
sent to Frederick-City Hospital, and Lieut. Bicknell was dis- 
charged. 

On the 31st of July, the army had advanced as far as Morris- 
ville ; at which place thirty-one men of the company were reported 
fit for duty. 

Aug. 11, Lieut. Clement, whose commission dated from July 5, 
1863, and who commanded the company, was placed under arrest 
for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. He was dis- 
missed from the service by court-martial, Sept. 26. 



476 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Sept. IT, the company was at Raccoon Ford. A detail of men 
was sent out to silence the rebels, who were firing on our pickets : 
this was accomplished, and, the following day, all was quiet. 

Oct. G, the army began a retrograde movement. On the 14th, 
the action at Bristow Station took place, in which the company 
was distinguished for its cool and praiseworthy conduct. 

The commanding officer of the Twentieth Massachusetts sent 
out a sergeant with nine men of the company to act against the 
sharpshooters of the enemy ; which they did. In advancing, they 
came upon a number concealed in ditches, who surrendered, and 
were brought within the lines by the sergeant and his party. Cor- 
poral Curtis, perceiving three of the enemy's guns nearly disabled 
by the fire of our batteries, took possession of them. Sergeant 
Galbraith coming to his assistance, they secured two of them; 
leaving the third to the Nineteenth Massachusetts. 

The Twentieth, to which the company was attached, reached 
Centreville on the 15th, where it remained until the 19th. On 
the 24th, the company was again encamped near War ronton. 

It left camp on the 7th of November, and next became engaged 
with the enemy at Brandy Station. Crossing the Rapidan at Ger- 
mania Ford on the 26th, the nest day the skirmishers encoun- 
tered the enemy at Robertson's Tavern. On the 28th, some severe 
fighting took place, and the company had two men wounded. The 
next two days, the Twentieth Massachusetts, with the company, 
was in line of battle in front of the enemy's works at Mine Run. 
On the 1st of December, the retreat commenced ; and on the 2d 
the company reached its old camp at Brandy Station, having 
marched thirty-five miles in twenty-five hours. There were no 
stragglers on this march. The company was mustered out with 
the Nineteenth Regiment, to which organization it for a long time 
was attached. 



SECOND COMPANY OF SHARPSHOOTERS. 

The Second Company of Sharpshooters was recruited at Lynn- 
field. It was from the commencement attached to the Twenty- 
second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and shared the 
fatigues, the battles, and the honors of that regiment. Its 
history is therefore the history of the Twenty-second, in which 
it bore a brave and gallant part. It was mustered out with this 
regiment in October, 1864. 



HOME SERVICE. 4:11 



UNATTACHED COMPANIES. 

The two unattached companies were commanded successively by 
Capts. L. G. Dennis, J. G. Barnes, 0. A. Baker, F. A. Johnson, 
Louis Soule, R. W. Thayer, Joshua H. Wilkie, Fitz J. Babson, 
Walter D. Keith, and Samuel C. Graves. 

The Second, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-first, 
Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, and Twenty-seventh 
companies were mustered into the service of the Government for 
one year during November and December of 1804, and stationed 
in the forts along the coast of Massachusetts. They were mus- 
tered out during the months of May, June, and July, 1865. They 
performed for the country a quiet but indispensable service. 

Of the First and Second Companies of Sharpshooters, a brief 
account has already been given. Their history for 1864 forms a 
part of that of the regiments with which they were connected. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



THE HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

The Fourteenth Regiment of Infantry changed to the First Heavy Artillery. — Garrisoning 
the Forts about Washington. — Col. Tannett. — Company I at Winchester. — Gen. 
Grant's Campaign. — Battles. — Before Petersburg. — -Closing Scenes of the War. — 
Return to Washington. — Mustered out. — Second Regiment in Department of Virginia 
and North Carolina. — Companies captured at Plymouth, N.C. — Recruits. — Close of 
the War. — Discharged. — Third Regiment. — Composition. — Roster. — Company I. — 
Fourth Regiment. — Composition. — Roster. — Unattached Companies. — First Bat- 
talion. — Why raised. — Service. — Companies A, C, D. — Mustered out. 



FIRST REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY. 



THE First Regiment of Heavy Artillery was originally organ- 
ized as the Fourteenth Regiment of infantry ; and, as such, 
left Fort Warren for the seat of war, Aug. 7, 1861. It was em- 
ployed on garrison-duty in the vicinity of Washington until Jan. 1, 
1862 ; when, by orders from the War Department, it was changed 
into a regiment of heavy artillery. Fifty recruits were added to 
each company, and two additional companies raised to fill it to 
its maximum standard. 

Its roster of officers was, — 



Colonel . 

Lieutenant - Colonel 

Major 

Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 

Chaplain 



William B. Greene. 
Samuel C. Oliver. 
Levi P. Wright. 
David Dana. 
Samuel K. Towle. 
Stephen Barker. 



The regiment was employed in garrisoning . the forts around 
Washington until the 26th of August, when it was ordered to the 
front. It was present in line of battle at Bull Run, but did not 
enter into the engagement. It was ordered back to Washington, 
and the several companies of the regiment were employed in 
detached service at different points on the Potomac. 

Col. Thomas R. Tannett took command of the regiment Jan. 1, 
1863. Up to the 10th of June, it was employed mainly in build- 

478 



FIRST REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY. 479 

ing batteries, magazines, &c., and putting guns in position. Com- 
pany I was then sent to Winchester, Va., and was in tlie battle 
at that place, gaining much praise for good conduct. It was 
then ordered by Gen. Milroy to remain and spike the guns left by 
his command. Here Capt. Martin and forty men were taken 
prisoners. 

During the presence of the enemy in Pennsylvania, this com- 
mand was called upon to picket in front of their line ; thus doing 
the double duty of infantry and artillery, and proving itself ready 
for any duty, regardless of exposure. 

For two years and a half, the First Massachusetts Heavy Artil- 
lery had done good service to the cause, and had performed with- 
out grndging a great deal of severe labor, but had had no opportu- 
nity of participating in any one of the more glorious achievements 
of the war. 

The order, therefore, to join the Army of the Potomac at the 
front, received May 15, 1804, was obeyed with alacrity. It was 
assigned to the second brigade, of Tyler's division, Col. Tannett 
commanding. At Harris's Farm, the regiment was heavily en- 
gaged with the enemy, and for a time was alone opposed to 
Rhodes's division, of Ewell's corps. The men stood up to their 
work manfully until re-enforcements arrived, when they fell back 
to re-form and advance again. In this action. Major Rolfe, com- 
manding first battalion, was killed. The entire loss of the regi- 
ment was fifty-five killed, and three hundred and twelve wounded. 
The engagement lasted until ten, p.m. The regiment remained 
on the field all night. 

At the battle of North Anna, the regiment was held as reserve, 
and lost but one killed and eleven wounded. 

On the 31st, in tbe battle of Tolopotomy, the regiment tln^ew 
forward a skirmish line, and occupied the enemy's works. It lay 
under a lieavy fire of artillery all day. 

On the 3d of June, at Cold Harbor, four companies — viz., 
B, P, H, and K — were engaged in the charge on tbe enemy's 
works in the morning, and in the repulse of the enemy in his 
•night charge. 

On the 14th, the regiment crossed the James, and marched for 
Petersburg, and, on the IGth, charged the enemy's works in 
its front, and was repulsed with the loss of twenty-five killed, 
and a hundred and tiiirty-two wounded. 

On the 18th, it charged the enemy's works near Hare House, 
and carried them, driving the enemy through the woods. The 



480 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

men of the First Heavy Artillery held their position until the 20tli, 
when they were ordered to the rear, and the next day advanced 
upon the Weldon Railroad. On the 22d, while throwing up 
breastworks with the brigade, they were flanked by the enemy, 
who, breaking through Gen. Barlow's division, succeeded in get- 
ting into position in the woods on the left of the brigade. The 
loss of the regiment here was nine killed, forty-six wounded, and 
a hundred and eighty-five captured. 

July 6, the term of service of the original members expired, 
and the regiment was ordered to the rear to prepare for muster- 
ing out the men. For those who continued in the service, nothing 
of note took place until the oOth, when they occupied a posi- 
tion in the front, half a mile to the right of the mine exploded in 
the morning, and were ordered to keep up a continuous fire on the 
enemy in front, whose works were about two hundred yards dis- 
tant. The regiment used during the day an average of a hundred 
and fifty rounds to tlie man. 

On the 12th of August, it was ordered to City Point ; on the 
15th, advanced near five miles on the Charles-city Road, skirmish- 
ing nearly all the way. 

On the 18th, the regiment returned to Petersburg, and garri- 
soned Port Hayes until the 25th. 

On the 2d of October, it was engaged with the enemy in a brisk 
encounter near Preble's Farm. On the Gth, it returned to Fort 
Hayes, where it remained until the 26th. Next day it marched to 
the Boydtown Plank-road, and in the afternoon became engaged 
with the enemy. Returning to Fort Hayes, the regiment remained 
there until the 28th of November, when it again marched to 
Preble's House, and went into camp near the Yaughn Road. 
On the 6th of December, it participated in Gen. Warren's raid 
on the Weldon Railroad, returning by the same route to camp on 
the 13th. On this raid, the men suffered extremely from cold, 
but had no engagement with the enemy. 

The regiment remained in camp until the opening of the spring 
campaign, March 25, excepting during the affair at Hatcher's Run. 

In several of the most stirring events of this campaign, the regi- 
ment participated ; and from the engagement at Duncan's Run, 
to the date of Gen. Lee's surrender to Gen. Grant, it was con- 
stantly in action or on the march. On the successful close of this 
campaign, the regiment remained in camp at Burkesville until 
May 2, when it started for Washington, via Richmond and Fred- 
ericksburg, reaching its destination on the 15th, — just one year 



SECOND REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY. 481 

from the day it left the fortifications of that city to join the Army 
of the Potomac. 

Oil the 15th of June, the regiment reported for duty to Major- 
Gen. Hancock, and was assigned by him to duty at Forts Ethan 
Allen and Marcy, near Chain Bridge. 

July 31, the regiment was consolidated into four companies, and the super- 
numerary and non-commissioned officers mustered out. 

Auo'. 11, orders were received from the Adjutaut-G-eneral's office for the 
command to be at once mustered out of the United-States service, and reported 
to the nmstering-officer of IMassachusetts for final payment. It left Washing- 
ton the evening of Aug. 17. Arrived in Boston Sunday, Aug. 20, and 
received its final discharge Aug. 25, 1865 ; having been in the United-States 
service four years, one month, and twenty-one days. 



SECOND REGIMENT OF HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

The companies composing this regiment were mustered into the 
service of the United States at different dates. Four companies 
left Boston for Newbern, N.C., Sept. 4, 1863 ; two companies, 
Nov. 6 ; and the balance (six companies) in January, 1864. 
Each detachment reached its destination in safety. During 
its fall term of service, the regiment was stationed in North Caro- 
lina and Virginia, under the following officers : — 

Colonel Jones Frankle. 

Major Samuel C. Oliver. 

Surgeon P«ter E. Hubon. 

Assistant Surf/eon Disi C. Hoyt. 

In March, 1864, the headquarters of the regiment were at Nor- 
folk, Va. ; while detachments were stationed at Fort Macon, 
Newport Barracks, Fort Totten, Morehead City, and Plymouth, 

N.C. 

In October, fifty-six fell victims to the yellow-fever, then raging 
in Newbern. 

At the opening of the year 1865, four companies, then at 
Plymouth, went on an expedition to the interior of North Caro- 
lina, and on the 13th of February to Columbia, N.C, and seized 
a quantity of Confederate stores. 

On the 27th of March, a reconnoissance was made towards 
Rainbow Blutf, Hamilton, N.C. ; which returned April 1, with the 
loss of one man. 

61 



482 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

After performing garrison and provost-guard duty in Virginia, 
Newbern, N.C., and Kinston, orders were received, Sept. 2, to 
proceed to Gailoupe's Island, Boston Harbor, and there await 
muster-out. The regiment arrived on tlie 15th of September, 
and the muster-out was effected on the 23d of that month. 

The regiment has had a total of twenty-seven hundred men upon its rolls, 
and brought home twelve hundred. In the fall of 1864, it was recruited 
beyond the maximum standard by the arrival of a number of men, many of 
whom were one-year's men. About five hundred of these were, by orders 
from the War Department, transferred to the Seventeenth Massachusetts 
Infantry. The remaining one-year's men were discharged in the latter part 
of July of that year. 

With a single exce])tion, the men have appeared to be well satisfied. jMany 
of them were enlisted under a general order from the Commonwealth head- 
quarters, offering certain bounties to men who enlisted in " veteran organi- 
ations ; " and the Second Artillery was named as one of those organizations. 
The United-States bounty advertised was not, however, paid the men ; it being 
claimed by the paymasters that the regiment was not a ' ' veteran organiza- 
tion." This created much dissatisfaction for a time, the more especially as 
the men learned that these United-States bounties had been regularly paid 
to the Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, Fifty-eighth, and Fifty-ninth Regiments, which 
were recruited under the same order. 

Two companies of this regiment, G and H, were captured by the enemy 
at Plymouth, N.C., in April, 1864. They were then about two hundred 
and seventy-five strong. In the early part of the next year, the remnant of 
them rejoined the regiment, thirty-five in number ! — a commentary on the 
tender mercies of the Andersonville prison-keepers and their superiors. 

THIRD REGIMENT OF HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

This regiment, organized in accordance with orders from the War De- 
partment, was composed of the Third, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, 
Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth Unat- 
tached Companies of Heavy Artillery. 

The first eight of these companies were originally raised for, and for a time 
were on duty in, the coast defences of this State. They were sent forward to 
Washington early in the fall of 1864, and were on duty in the defences of 
that city until the date of muster-out, Sept. 18, 1865. 

Roster of ofiicers : — 

Colonel William S. Abert. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... John A. P. Allen. 

* JIajor ...... James M. Richardson. 

Surgeon ...... William Nichols, jun. 



THIRD REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY. 483 

Col. Abort, United-States army, was a popular and competent 
officer. 

With the exception of Company I, which was on detached ser- 
vice, the regiment remained on duty in the forts near Washing- 
ton during its entire term of service. We append a brief notice 
of Company I from the report of Gen. Micliie, chief engineer, 
Department of Virginia. He writes, — 

Company I was ordered to report to Major-Gen. Butler, commanding De- 
partment of Virginia and North Carolina. It was mostly recruited from 
Springfield Armory, and was composed of as fine a body of men as I have 
ever seen in the service ; and I may add here, that their after-conduct more 
than justified the highest expectations then formed. 

It was at once assigned to duty with Capt. F. U. Farquhar, United-States 
corps of engineers, cliief engineer of the department ; and was put in charge 
of the pontoon-trains of this army. Knowing nothing of pontoon-drill, the 
officers and men applied themselves so steadily, that, early in IMay, they were 
excellent pontoniers, and could build a bridge as rapidly and as well as any 
men of longer experience. 

Briefly, it has since built two bridges across the Appomattox River, and 
taken care of them. These bridges connected the Armies of the Potomac and 
the James. Repaired and almost remade the bridge train-wagons furnished 
by the Government. Built two pontoon-bridges across the James, which 
enabled our army to cross and advance on Chaffin's Farm, Sept. 20. 1864. 
Assisted in building wharves, permanent bridges, and roadways. Repaired 
and taken charge of three captured and burnt saw-mSls, which have cut nearly 
two million feet of lumber since October last, used in building hospitals, 
bridges, batteries, and magazines, and thereby saved the Government the cost 
of that cpiantifcy. Had charge of the poontoon-train which acco]npanied the 
Army of the James in its rapid march against Gen. Lee ; and built the pon- 
toon-bridges at Farmville, which passed over the artillery and trains of two 
corps of the Army of the Potomac, Second and Sixth, and enabled them to 
follow in rapid pursuit of the enemy. Had charge of the pontoou-bridges 
across the James River at Richmond, which passed over safely all of the 
Army of the James, Army of the Potomac, Sherman's army, and Sheri- 
dan's cavalry, with their trains and artillery. Furnished the assistance to 
the surveying-parties engaged in mapping the rebel lines and country in the 
vicinity of Richmond. 

This company has merited the best praise and commendation that a com- 
mander can give his men. They have always given a ready and willing 
obedience to every order, are good and worthy men, and ai'e ready now to 
make upright citizens. 



484 MASSACHUSETTS ZiV THE REBELLION. 



FOURTH REGIMENT OP HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

The Fourth Regiment was recruited for one year's service, and 
was composed of the Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twen- 
tieth, Twenty-first, Twenty-second, Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, 
Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth 
Unattached Companies of Heavy Artillery. These companies 
were musterd into the service during the month of August, 
1864 ; and were consolidated into a regiment by Special Or- 
ders, No. 395, paragraph 6, War Department, Nov. 12, 1864. 
It was on duty in the defences of Washington during its entire 
term of service. It was mustered out of service June 17, 1865. 

Its roster of officers was, — 



Colonel 

Lieutenant -Colonel 

Major 

Surgeon 

Assistant Surgeon 

Chaplain 



William S. King. 
Samuel C. Hart. 
Francis E. Boyd. 
John Stearns. 
John F. SaviUe. 
Isaac H. Coe. 



The Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Unattached Companies of 
Heavy Artillery were on duty in the defences of Washington, 
like the Fourth Regiment. These companies were commanded 
respectively by Capts. George W. Kenney and Samuel R. Bing- 
ham. 

This regiment and the two unattached companies were noted 
for their good drill and soldier-like conduct during the entire 
period of their services. 



FIRST BATTALION OF HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

In the early part of the year 1862, by permission of the War 
Department, a company of heavy artillery for garrison-duty at 
Fort Warren was authorized to be raised. It was recruited by 
Stephen Cabot, Esq., of Boston, who was commissioned captain. 
Subsequently other companies were authorized to be raised for 
coast defences. 

The Fourth Company, Capt. Livermore, was ordered for service 
at Fort Warren, A battalion was then formed, of which Capt. 
Cabot was appointed major. 



FIRST BATTALION OF HEAVY ARTILLERY. 485 

This battalion was originally composed of the First, Second, 
Fourth, and Fiftli Unattached Companies of Heavy Artillery ; 
but, in the summer of 1864, two companies of one-year men were 
added. It was on duty in Boston Harbor for most of the time ; 
but companies were detailed for duty at Champlain, N.Y., and 
the fort at Bedford. 

Three companies, A, C, and D, supplied during the year small 
garrisons for the forts at Plymouth, Provincetown, Gloucester, 
Marblehead, Newburyport, &c. 

The companies at Fort Warren remained at their post until all 
the Confederate prisoners, with one exception, were released ; and 
were relieved by three companies. Third United-States Artillery, 
Major A. A. Gibson, a few days before being mustered out, which 
was done in October. The other companies of the battalion were 
mustered out in the month of June previous. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY. 

CAVALRY has in many minds a knightly, romantic char- 
acter. The ordinary rules of discipline and the hardships 
of the field are not usually associated with this branch of the 
service ; but, in fact, the tactics are difficult, the training severe 
and perilous, the work — picketing and scouting — constant, 
with only occasionally an opportunity for the " glorious charge." 
The severity of the service is indicated by the great loss of 
horses through neglect, disease, over-work, and in battle. Gen. 
Halleck, in his report for 1863, states, that, from May to October, 
thirty-five thousand horses were furnished for about one-third 
that number of cavalry. The weapon which pre-eminently be- 
longs to the cavalry is the sabre. 

When the civil war opened, the rebel cavalry was superior to 
that of the North, on account of the better horsemanship of the 
planters of the. South and their sons, and the attention given by 
them to the training of horses. Northern energy and patient en- 
durance, however, soon reversed this state of things ; and our 
troopers were able to drive the chivalry in a sabre charge, — a 
kind of warfare the latter particularly disliked. Light cavalry has 
been almost the only form of this service in our late war ; and 
its largest, perhaps its best service, was done in protecting tlie rear 
of armies, raiding, scouting, and picketing. 

The intelligent instinct of the war-horse is often wonderful. 
Capt. B., a Massachusetts boy, took from a rebel officer a 
handsome steed, which could tell the hostile forces apart ; would 
fly from one ambush to another, keeping the enemy in sight, with- 
out a touch from the rein. It is not strange that the brave rider 
wept when the noble creature, in fording a stream which no 
other horse attempted to do, sank into a quicksand on the 
opposite shore, and was lost. The cavalry of the Bay State, as 
the brief annals which follow will prove, was not behind that of 
other States in gallantry, heroism, and achievement. 

-iSG 



FIRST CAVALRY REGIMENT. 487 



THE FIRST REGIMENT OF CAVALRY 

Went into Camp Brigham at Readville, Sept. 9 and 16, 1861, 
and left the State in battalions between the 25tli of that month, 
and January, 18G2 ; the first going directly to Annapolis, Md., 
v.hile the second and third remained several weeks in New 
York. A part of the troops were in the battles of James Island 
and Pocatoglio. 

The officers of the regiment were, — 

Oolond Robert Williams. 

Lieutenant -Colonel Horace B. Sargent. 

Major William F. White. 

«' Joha H. Eclson. 

" ....... Grreely S. Curtis. 

Surgeon James Holland. 

Assistant Surgeon Oscar C. Do Wolf. 

Chaplain William C. Patterson. 

In the heat of Aug. 19, 1862, ten companies were sent from 
Hilton Head to Fortress Monroe, Acquia Creek, and Tenallytown, 
D.C. ; joining, at the latter place, Gen. Pleasanton's cavalry 
brigade. They were in the skirmishes that preceded the battles 
of South Mountain and Antietam, and afterwards were trans- 
ferred to Gen. Averill's brigade. With Major-Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter's corps, and in Florida expeditions, the companies did 
good service. The third battalion was detached from the regi- 
ment, and another recruited in Massachusetts to fill its place. 
Whether acting as body-guard to Gen. Hooker ; destroying railroad 
bridges on the Rappahannock ; in battle at Kelley's Ford, Rapid- 
an Station, and Stevensburg ; raiding with Stoneman ; picketing ; 
charging through Aldie, and holding the ground while the stone 
walls were lined with sharpshooters ; in the running fight, or 
on the night-march to Gettysburg ; and then in the great battle 
of July 3, 18G3, followed by escorting twenty-five hundred rebel 
prisoners to Winchester on the memorable 4th ; in the war-path 
or field, — the First Cavalry never disgraced its arm of the ser- 
vice, or the State proud of her troopers. 

If the space were at our command, it would be a gratefnl task 
to follow this regiment from Gettysburg to Williamsport, Auburn, 
Todd's Tavern, Richmond, Vaughn Road, St. Mary's Church, 



488 MASSACHUSETTS m THE REBELLION. 

Cold Harbor, and Bellefield : but we must leave the honorable 
record, and only add, that its last service was in the defences of 
Washington, Avhere it was mustered out June 26, 1865 : reaching- 
Readville on the 29th to receive its final discharge and pay- 
ment. 

SECOND EEGIMENT OP CAVALRY. 

Its officers were, — 

Colonel ..... Charles R. Lowell, jun. 

Lieutenant- Colonel . . . Henry S. Russell. 

Major ...... Casper' Crowninshield. 

Surgeon ..... Oscar De Wolf. 

Assistant Surgeon . . . Harlow Gamwell. 

Chaplain ..... Charles A. Humphreys. 

The recruiting of the Second Cavalry commenced in Novem- 
ber, 1862 ; one company (A) being offered and accepted from 
California. It reached Readville Jan, 3, 1863. Soon after, a 
whole battalion followed from the modern Ophir, under com- 
mand of Major D. W. C. Thompson, — men representing nearly 
every State in the Union, and, for the most part, engaged in lucra- 
tive business when they gave themselves to the country. 

The first detachment of the Second Cavalry left Camp Meigs, 
Readville, Feb. 12, 1863, under Major Crowninshield ; reporting 
on the 18th to Major-Gen. Dix at Fortress Monroe. It was 
ordered to Yorktown, and Gen. Keyes designated Gloucester 
Point opposite as the camping-ground. Reconnoitring and expe- 
ditions followed until May 6, when the command inarched into 
King and Queen's County to meet the raiding troops of Stone- 
man from the fortifications of Richmond. In another expedi- 
tion into that and other counties, the regiment marched over a 
hundred and forty miles in sixty hours. The capture of the rebel 
fortifications at South Anna River June 26 (the troops crossing 
the river "on a single floating log boom"), and charging the 
breastworks, were a brilliant affair, and highly complimented by 
the officers. The Dix White-house Expedition marched July 1 ; 
but no marked assaults attended it. July 27, the detachment 
was ordered to Washington, D.C., to join the rest of the regi- 
ment under the gallant Col. Lowell. The entire force crossed 
the Potomac at White's Ford June 11, and pursued the guerilla 
Mosby ; patroled the Potomac ; followed Stuart's cavalry ; acted 






'"-■^•40=G.S-^ 




SECOND CAVALRY REGIMENT. 489 

as scout ; made a reconnoissance to the I>lue-Ridge Mountains, 
with a severe skirmish ; and, Aug. 6, constituted the cavahy 
forces, Department of Washington. Scouting in Maryhmd fol- 
lowed. 

The most striking incident in the experience of the regiment 
during the months of January and February, 18<34, was the capture, 
by a scout, of WiUiani E. Ormsby, of Company E, who had de- 
serted to the enemy Jan. 24, and was leading a band of guerillas 
against his former comrades. He was tried by a " drum-head court- 
martial," and sentenced to be shot. The execution took place on 
Sunday, Feb. 7, in presence of the brigade. A detachment of 
the regiment, while scouting Feb. 22, was attacked, two miles 
from Drainsville, by concealed rebels, and overpowered, losing six- 
teen men in killed and wounded, and fifty-five taken prisoners. 

Col. Lowell led three expeditions in the counties of Fauquier 
and Loudon during April, attended with skirmishing and casual- 
ties. The last was successful in taking twenty-five thousand dol- 
lars' worth of cotton, wool, tobacco, &c., and discovering an under- 
ground apartment frequented by Mosby, in which were found his 
private and official papers, and his commission, designating him 
as " Major of Partisan Rangers." During May, June, and July, 
the regiment made forced marches, escorted ambulances of the 
wounded, and had encounters with the enemy. August was a 
month of unusual exposure to the fire of the rebels near Hall- 
town, Charlestown, Berryville, Opequan Creek, Winchester, and 
Cedar Creek, Va. ; the regiment acting with the third brigade of 
the first division of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Po- 
tomac. It was estimated that eight hundred miles were marched 
from July 1 to September. In the re-organization of the cavalry 
under Sheridan, the regiment was assigned to the reserve brigade, 
first division, Gen. Buford's old command, now led by Lowell. 

Then followed the splendid charges from the Opequan to Luray 
Court House, and pursuits of the enemy. October was spent in 
covering the rear of the army falling back ; reconnoitring towards 
Round-top Mountain, and a severe fight ; another battle with the 
forces of Rosser and Loraax ; opening communication with Gen. 
Auger ; and fighting the enemy's cavalry at Cedar Creek, an hour 
before Early's principal attack, on the 19th. The regiment was 
near the Valley Pike, and during the day made four charges, in 
the first of which Capt. Smith was mortally wounded. The he- 
roic Lowell received a serious contusion from a rifle-ball about 
one o'clock, but refused to leave the field, until, "just at the 

62 



490 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

beginning of the grand final, charge of the First Cavalry division, 
when he received a mortal wonnd." Lieut.-Col. Crowninshield 
then took command of the brigade in the charges from Middle- 
town to Fisher's Hill. Capt. Smith died in the evening, and Col. 
Lowell in the morning. Wrote Capt. Alvord of the latter, — 

The death of Col. Lowell was more directly a loss to the whole army than 
to his own regiment ; for, had he lived, he would not have remained its com- 
manding officer many days. The signal ability displayed in the management 
of his troops in action made him at once conspicuous among the cavalry com- 
mandei-s ; and, early in October, Gen. Sheridan asked to have him promoted 
to a brigadier-general. His appointment as such had been issued by the War 
Department, to date Sept. 19, 1864, and was on its way from Washington at 
the time of his death. Whenever a skirmish line wavered, or when men hesi- 
tated in charging an apparently superior force, he was upon the line, encour- 
aging by his presence, or leading the charge to victory. In the short summer 
campaign, thirteen horses were .shot under bim. The quotation made by a 
friend in writing of him is so appropriate, that it may be well recalled : — 

" I do not think a braver gentleman. 
More active valiant, or more valiant young, 
More daring, or more bold, is now alive 
To grace this latter age with noble deeds." 

The rest of October, November, and December, was for the 
most part spent in pursuit of the rebels, guarding the reconstruc- 
tion of railroads, an expedition to Gordonsville under Forbes, and 
encampment near Winchester. 

January, February, and March brought the varied experiences 
of winter-quarters, — grand reviews, picketing and scouting, — and 
the general advance towards Richmond. The expedition under 
Sheridan the same day that movement commenced, Feb. 27, from 
Winchester to White-house Landing, attended with terrible de- 
struction to the enemy's resources of war, and various encounters 
with the foe, indicates the active service of the Second Cavalry. 

We must pass over the gallant charge at the Virginia Central 
Railroad Bridge, across the South Anna River, and the night- 
march over the North Anna (" the heavens being completely aglow 
with the reflection from the numerous bridges, mills, factories, 
tobacco-warehouses, &c., which were burned as the troopers 
passed"), followed by a march through Virginia mud, a rest in 
camp, and refitting for service. March 30, taking the advance 
of the' cavalry, it met the enemy on the White-oak Road, and 
severe engagements, with partial success, followed, in which 



THIRD CAVALRY REGIMENT. 491 

Lieuts. Papanti and Thompson were severely wounded, and Lieut. 
Hunger was supposed to have been killed. He was not heard 
from after a gallant charge. 

April 1, the regiment was in the hottest of the fight at Five 
Forks, of whose valor as a part of the forces alluded to, Abraham 
Lincoln said in his telegram, " Tlie Five Forks, strongly barri- 
caded, loere carried by Deviiis's first division of cavalry.''-'' 

From this date to June, wild hurrahs over the fall of Petersburg 
and Richmond, meeting and routing tlie enemy near Burkesville, 
pursuing Lee's army, receiving tlie flag of truce, and the request 
from him for a meeting with Gen Grant, the surrender, retro- 
grade movement April 10, the movement against Gen. Johnston's 
army, and the march to Washington through Richmond, with the 
review before Gen. Halleck, were the most striking events in regi- 
mental history. The Second was in camp near Long Bridge from 
May 16 until the 21st, passing on the latter day through Wash- 
ington to see for the last time " Cavalry Sheridan." Encamping 
at Bladensburg, Md., till the grand review, May 23, its " tattered 
ensign " then called forth the enthusiastic cheers of the multitude. 
The regiment went again into camp at Cloud's Mills and also Fair- 
fax Court House. July 22, it left for Readville, where it was dis- 
charged. Such is the outline of a proud regimental service. 



THIRD REGIMENT OF CAVALRY. 

This regiment was originally the Forty-first Infantry, whose 
brief service has been narrated ; and was clianged to cavalry June 
17, 1863, under the subjoined command : — 

Colonel . . ■ . . . . Thomas E. Chickering. 

Lieutenant -Colonel . . . Lorenzo D. Sargent. 

Surgeon Albert H. Blanchard. 

Assistant Surgeon .... John Blaebmer. 

Chaplain Henry F. Lane. 

During the month of September, 1863, the regiment was en- 
camped within the intrenchments of Port Hudson, and suffered 
severely from sickness. During the months of October and No- 
vember, the troops were almost constantly in the saddle, and, 
having but short rations and poor forage, became very much 
I'educed and ineffective. 

On the 30th, a detachment from the command were fired upon 



492 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

by a band of guerillas, who killed five men, wounded five, and 
captured one officer and four men. On the 1st of January, 1864, 
the regiment known as the Third Massachusetts Cavalry was still 
stationed at Port Hudson. On the 5th, it was organized as a part 
of the Fourth Cavalry Brigade, and ordered to make preparations 
for the Red-river campaign. On the 10th of March, the troops 
were in Brashear City, and, by the. 20th, had reached Gov. Moore's 
plantation, within six miles of Alexandria. 

On the 21st, Lieut.-Col. Sargent, commanding the regiment, was 
sent to re-enforce Gen. Mower at Henderson's Hill ; and an advance 
was made upon the enemy's position. The hill was carried, and 
one Texan battery and the Second Louisiana Infantry of three 
hundred and sixty-seven men were captured. For several days 
in succession, the regiment was engaged in skirmishing with the 
enemy. In the afternoon of the Sth of April, the battle of Sabine 
Cross-roads was fought. The determination with which the Third 
Cavalry maintained its position and resisted the advance of the 
enemy is attested by the severity of its loss, which was seventy- 
three men killed, wounded, and missing, and one hundred and 
fifty-seven horses. At night, the Third Cavalry fell back to Pleas- 
ant Hill ; and next day the battle at this point was fought, and 
the main army retreated to Grand Encore. 

On the 19th, lively skirmishes with the enemy took place. On 
the 21st, the army left Grand Encore. On the 24th, the Third Cav- 
alry was ordered to protect the rear of Gen. A. J. Smith's division. 
It formed a line in the rear of the retreating army, and marched 
seven miles, fighting all the way ; the enemy closing up as fast as 
the cavalry retreated. 

The Third Cavahy held a positioh at Muddy Run. At day- 
light of the 26th, the rebels commenced an attack upon this posi- 
tion with a force of five thousand strong. The well-directed vol- 
leys of the cavalry held the enemy at bay. At night, the Third 
was relieved Ijy the Eighth New-Hampshire, and went to rest in 
Alexandria. On the 29th, the Fourth Brigade had a sharp con- 
flict with Quantrell's guerilla-band. The loss of the Third was 
three killed and seven wounded. 

May 9, the army moved again in retreat. The Third was en- 
gaged almost daily in skirmishes with the enemy until the ITtli, 
when the battle near Yellow Bayou was fought. Here the Third 
made a splendid charge upon the lines of the enemy, losing four- 
teen men and thirty-nine horses, and capturing three hundred 
prisoners. 



THIRD CAVALRY REGIMENT. 493 

At night, the regiment retreated crossed the Atchafalaya ; 
marched to Red-river Landing, and thence to Morganza Bend. 

June 25, the regiment was dismounted by Special Orders, 
armed as infantry, and ordered to report to Lieut.-Gen. Grant 
at Fortress Monroe. 

On the 10th of August, it moved forward with the grand army 
of Gen. Sheridan through Wincliester to Cedar Creek ; participated 
in the battle of Opequan ; charged the enemy three times, drove him 
three miles, and lost in the engagement one hundred and four 
officers and men. 

On the 22d was fought the battle of Fisher's Hill, and the reb- 
els pursued as far as Woodstock. On the 6th of October, the 
army commenced its retreat. On the 19th, the regiment partici- 
pated in the battle of Cedar Creek; sharing gloriously in the 
charge of the Nineteenth Corps after Sheridan entered the field 
of disaster, and in the shouts of victory over the recovered field. 

The regiment went into winter-quarters on the Opequan Creek, 
two miles south-west of Winchester, where it remained until the 
2oth of December. After six-months' infantry-duty performed 
by the Third Massachusetts Cavalry, Feb. 18, 1865, the men re- 
ceived their ordnance, horse-equipments, horses, a new and ele- 
gant set of State colors, &c., and, on the 24th, were ordered to 
Duflfield Station, Va., to relieve the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cav- 
alry. 

On the 1st of March, the regiment reported to Major-Gen. Tor- 
bert, chief of cavalry, at Winchester, and encamped at Camp 
Averill. The Third Cavalry received marching-orders on the 8th. 
On the 12th, Col. L. D. Sargent was discharged on surgeon's cer- 
tificate of disability, having served with the regiment from its 
organization. 

On the 26th, Col. Burr Porter took command. May 23, the 
Third Massachusetts, with the rest of Sheridan's cavalry, took 
part in the grand reviews. 

From Jiuie 14 until Aug. 16, it was in Missouri, and at Fort 
Kearney, Nebraska. 

Lieut. -Col. John F. Vinal, whose term of service covered the 
entire period since the formation of the regiment, was, on the 18th 
of August, honorably discharged from t1ie service. Col. Yinal 
was in command of the regiment during much of the year; and to 
his efforts mainly was due the remounting of the regiment at the 
close of the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. While on the 
march to Colorado, orders were received to report at Fort Kear- 



494 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ney to Brig.-Gen. Heath, en route for Fort Leavenworth, for 
muster-out. 

The preparation of the papers for muster-out occupied the time 
until the 28th ; on which day the regiment was mustered out of ser- 
vice, and ordered to report to the chief mustering-officer of Mas- 
sachusetts for final payment and discharge. 

The next day, it took transportation to Boston, vid Chicago and 
Detroit ; passing over the G-reat Western Railroad through Canada 
West, heing the only regiment which crossed the British do- 
minions during the existence of the Rebellion. The regiment 
arrived in Boston on the 5th inst., having been very kindly re- 
ceived everywhere during transit, and reported to the mustering- 
officer at Galloupe's Island. 

Oct. 8, 1865, the regiment was paid off, and discharged from the 
service, which it entered Nov. 1, 1882. 

During its three years of service, the regiment marched fifteen 
thousand miles, and was in more than thirty engagements. On 
its regimental colors are inscribed the battles of Irish Bend, 
Henderson Hill, Cane River, Port Hudson, Sabine Cross-roads, 
Muddy Bayou, Piny Woods, Snag Point, Bayou de Glaze, Yellow 
Bayou, Opequan Creek, Fisher Hill, and Cedar Creek, in all of 
which it bore an honorable part. In the course of its long and ar- 
duous service, it has received high commendations for good disci- 
pline, and gallantry in action, from many of the eminent command- 
ers under whom it has had the honor to serve ; among whom may 
be mentioned Major-Gens. Banks, Sheridan, A. L. Lee, Grover, 
and Emory. 

FOURTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY. 

The Fourth Regiment was organized by Special Orders from the 
War Department, Washington, D.C., dated Feb. 12, 1864, order- 
ing that the battalion of cavalry known as the Independent Bat- 
talion Massachusetts Cavalry, serving in the Department of the 
Soutli, and formerly of First Massachusetts Cavalry, be, together 
with First Battalion Veteran Cavalry then recruiting in Massa- 
chusetts, constituted Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. 

General Orders, No. 39, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as- 
signed Liout.-Col. A. A. Rand to command the regiment. 

The other officers were, — 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... Frauds Washburn. 

Major . . . . , . Atherton H. Stevens. 

Surgeon Frederick W. Mercer. 

Chaplain Albert Z. Gray. 



FOURTH CAVALRY REGIMENT. 495 

The regiment, consisting of twelve squadrons, each one hundred 
strong, was fully recruited and organized on or about the 1st of 
March, 18(34. 

The First Battalion, commanded by Major Stevens, was, at the 
organization of the regiment, stationed in South Carolina, under 
command of Major-Gen. Q. A. Gillmore. 

The Second Battalion, Major Keith commanding, sailed from 
Boston for Hilton Head, S.C., on the 20th of March, 1864, on 
board transport steamer " Western Metropolis ; " and arrived there 
April 1, 1864. 

The Third Battalion, Major Cabot commanding, sailed from 
Boston on the 23d of April, 1864, witli a detachment of one hun- 
dred and fifty men for First Battalion, on board transport " Western 
Metropolis ; " and arrived at Hilton Head, S.C, April 27, 1864. 
It then received orders to return to Fortress Monroe and report 
to Major-Gen. Butler, commanding Department Virginia and 
North Carolina, after debarking at St. Helena Island, S.C, to coal 
and water the steamer. 

The battalion re-embarked May 1. Arrived at Newport News, 
Va., where it encamped, May 3, 1864. 

The First Battalion was also ordered to Virginia. Arrived at 
Bermuda Hundred, under command of Capt, Richmond, May 8, 
and participated in the movement of the 9th and 10th. It also 
participated in the engagements at Drury's Bluff, commencing on 
the 12th of May, and ending on the 16th. 

During the remainder of May, July, August, September, Octo- 
ber, and November, picket-duty, scouting, constructing fortifica- 
tions at City Point, expeditions into Florida and to John's Island, 
S.C, with its skirmishes and engagements, the movement to the 
north side of James River the middle of August, and the con- 
stantly changing service of cavalry troops, was briefly the history 
of the regiment. 

With the opening of the new year, the companies were divided 
among different army corps ; the regimental headquarters being at 
Vienna, Va., in the Army of the James. 

March 28, when the army left winter-quarters. Companies F 
and K were with the Twenty-fourth xVrmy Corps in the pursuit 
of the Army of Northern Virginia, and participated in the several 
engagements ; while Companies E and H remained with the 
Twenty-fifth Corps before Richmond, and were the first troops to 
enter the city. " The guidons of these companies were the first 
Union colors carried into Richmond and raised by Union troops. 



496 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION: 

They floated from the Capitol Building until a larger flag supplied 
their place." 

April 6, according to orders, Col. Washburn, with a part of his 
cavalry, and two regiments of infantry, each about four hundred 
strong, started to destroy High Bridge before the retreating rebels. 
Near the structure, Gen. Read arrived with orders to hold and 
not burn it. Here the enemy were found to be in superior 
numbers. 

Thus situated between two forces of the enemy, — the larger between him 
and the Army of the James, — to charge and break through the enemy, if 
possible, seemed the only honorable course for Gen. Read to take. No other 
was suggested. 

Twice the cavalry charged, breaking through and dispersing one Hne of the 
enemy ; re-forming and charging a second, which was formed in a wood too 
dense to admit of fi-ee use of the sabre- In vain, however : eight of twelve 
officers engaged were put kors du combat, three killed, and five severely 
wounded. The little band was hemmed in and overpowered by two divisions 
of cavalry, — Rosser's and Fitz-Hugh Lee's, — the advance of Gen. Lee's 
army. 

Col. Washburn, whose intrepid bravery in this fight endears his name to 
his associates, and adds the crowning glory to a life elevated by the purest 
patriotism, died a few weeks afterwards from the effects of his wounds. 

" To the sharpness of that fight," says a rebel colonel, inspector-general on 
Lee's staff", to Gen. Ord, " the cutting-otf of Lee's army at Appomattox Court 
House was probably owing. So fierce were the charges of Col. Washburn 
and his men, and so determined their fighting, that Gen. Lee received the 
impression that they must be supported by a large part of the army, and that 
his retreat was cut off"." Acting under this impression, he halted his army, gave 
what the " inspector-general " calls stampeding orders, and began to throw up 
the line of breastworks which were found there the next day. Three trains of 
provisions, forage, and clothing, which had been sent from Lynchburg on the 
South-side Road, were sent back, to prevent them from falling into our hands ; 
and his army, which was on third rations, and those of corn only, was thus 
deprived of the provisions, the want of which exhausted them so much. 

Moreover, by the delay occasioned by this halt, Gen. Sheridan was enabled 
to come up with Ewell's division at Saylor's Creek. When Lee discovered 
his mistake, and that the fighting force in his front was only a small detachment 
of cavalry and infantry, Gen. Ord, with the Army of the James, had already 
profited by the delay, and so closed up with him that a retreat directly south 
was no longer practicable : he was obliged to make the detour by way of 
Appomattox Court House. Gen. Rosser concurs in this opinion, and states 
that the importance of the fight has never been appreciated. 

That Lieut.-Gen. Grant and Gen. Ord appreciate its importance, and con- 
firm the principal facts stated above, is shown by the following extract from 
Gen. Grant's Report of the Armies of the United States : — 



FIFTH CAVALRY REGIMENT. 497 

" Gen. Orel advanced from Burkesville towards Farraville, sending two re^i- 
raents of infantry and a squadron of cavalry, under Brevet Brio-.-Gen. Theo- 
dore Bead, to destroy the bridges. This advance met the head of Lee's 
column near Farmville, which it heroically attacked and detained until Gen. 
Bead was killed and his small force overpowered. This caused a delay in the 
enemy's movements, and enabled Gen. Ord to get well up with the remainder 
of his force ; on meeting which, the enemy immediately intrenched himself," 

The regiment performed courier guard -duty iu Richmond, 
after Lee's surrender, until Nov. 14 ; when it was mustered out of 
service, and finally discharged at Galloupe's Island, Nov. 26, 1865. 



FIFTH REGIMENT OP CAVALRY. 

The Fifth Regiment was composed of colored men, the only 
regiment of colored cavalry organized in the State, and under the 
following command : — 

Colo)iel Henry S. Russell. 

Lieutenant -Colonel .... Charles F. Adams. 

Major Horace N. Weld. 

Surgeon George S. Osborne. 

Assistant Surgeon Samuel Ingalls. 

" " Frederick G. Parker. 

It was mustered into the service of tlie United States by com- 
panies, at dates ranging from January to May, 1861. The First 
Battalion, Major H. N. Weld commanding, left the State May 5, 
1864 ; the Second, under Capt. Z. B. Adams, May 6, 1864 ; and 
the Third, commanded by H. P. Bowditch, May 8, 1864. 

The battalions reported to Major-Gen. Casey at Washington, 
D.C., and preceded to Camp Casey. 

Col. Russell took command of the provisional brigade of colored 
troops there ; and Major Weld succeeded him at the head of the 
regiment until May 13, when orders came to report to Gen. But- 
ler at Fortress Monroe. Thence it moved to City Point on the 
16th, and was assigned to the command of Gen. E. W. Hinks, 
third division, Eighteenth Army Corps. 

Picket-duty and infantry drill followed. June 15, the affair at 
Bailor's Farm, on the Petersburg Road, occurred. The main body 
of the regiment engaged the enemy's batteries, and Col. Russell 
and Major Adams were severely wounded ; when Major Bowditch 
assumed command. The main body of the regiment crossed at 
Point of Rocks the 17th, and Major Weld joined it with the troops 

63 



498 MASSACHUSETTS m THE REBELLION: 

he held : the whole force was then transferred to Weld's third 
brigade, of Hinks's division. On the 28th, the regiment reported 
to Gen. Butler at Point of Rocks, and was assigned to Gen. 
Terry's division, and sent to Point Lookout, Md., to guard rebel 
prisoners. 

No narrative of this regiment for 1865 was received. The 
monthly reports of January and February gave their station as 
"at Point Lookout, Md. ;" March, as " in the iield, near Rich- 
mond, Va. ; " April, " near Petersburg, Va. ; " May, " near City 
Point, Va. ; " June, " Camp Lincoln, Va. ;" and from that time, 
to date of muster-out, at Clarksville, Tex., Oct. 31, 1865. 

It was engaged for a long time as guard of rebel prisoners at 
Point Lookout, Md., and afterwards was sent to Texas, wliere the 
men were chiefly employed in digging and other laborious work. 
At one time, a great many of the men were on the sick-list, caused 
by exposure and over- work. This was the condition of the regi- 
ment when Col. Chamberlain arrived in Texas, and assumed 
command ; after which the men were better cared for, and sick- 
ness decreased. 

The regiment, on its return from Texas, came from New Orleans 
in transports to New York. It remained in New York only a 
few hours, and then proceeded by steamboat and railroad to Bos- 
ton. Upon arriving here, the regiment was sent to Galloupe's 
Island, where it remained until it was discharged and paid, — 
the latter part of November. 

In addition to the regular cavalry, there was organized, between 
Dec. 29 and Jan. 3, the First Battalion of Frontier Cavalry, 
composed of Companies A, B, C, D, and E. 

Its officers at that time were, — 



Major . 
Captain 



Ideutenant 



Burr Porter. 
C. E. Rice. 
C. W. C. Rhodes. 
F. H. Rand. 
H. N. Dallas. 
W. F. Rice. 
C. B. Leathe. 
C. G. Cox. 



The battalion was attached to the Twenty-sixth Regiment of 
New-York Cavalry, and honorably performed guard-duty on the 
frontier of the Empire State. It was mustered out June 
30, 1865. 



CHAPTER XXX. 
THE LIGHT BATTERIES. 

First Light Battery. — Joins the Army of tlie Potomac. — At Fredericksburg. — Gen. 
Scdgewick. — Gen. Sheridau. — Nims's Battery goes to the Department of the 
Gull". — Hani Marches. — Gallant Conflict. — Second Light Battery. — Organization. 

— Goes to New Orleans. — At Port Hudson, Pleasant Hill, and Sabine Cross-roads. 

— Goes to Barancas. — At Fort Blakely. — Cavalry Fight. — Return Home. — Third 
Light Battery. — Organization. — Peninsular Campaign. — Antietam. — Fredericks- 
burg. — Gettysburg. — Mine-run Wilderness. — Before Petersburg. — Mustered out. 
Fourth Light Battery. — In Louisiana. — Expedition. — Battle of Baton Rouge. — 
Bonfonca. — Port Hudson. — Furloughed. — Returned to the South. — In Tennessee. — 
G )es to Alabama. — Spanish Fort Blakely. — Returns Home. — Fifth Light Battery. — 
Reports to Gen. Porter. — Yorktown. — Seven-days' Fighf. — Fredericksburg. — Cam- 
paigns of 1863. — The Wilderness and Petersburg. — Mustered out. Sixth Light 
Battery. — Goes to New Orleans. — Baton Rouge. — Laberderville. — Port Hudson. — 
Bayou Lafourche. 



T 



FIRST LIGHT BATTERY. 

HE officers of the First Light Battery were, — 

Captain ...... Josiah Porter. 

First Lieutenant ..... William iMcCartney. 

Second Lieutenant ... . . Jacob Federhen. 

Under the above command, the battery went to camp Cameron 
Aug. 27, 1861 ; and left for Washington, Oct. 3, to form a part of 
the Potomac Army. Nothing excepting a change from the first 
division. Sixth Corps, to the artillery brigade, and heavy march- 
ing, occurred until Dec. 12, when the battery went into position 
south of Fredericksburg, and was under fire. 

The next day, ordered by Gen. Howe in front of the Barnard 
House to take the place of a battery of rifled guns which had 
been driven before the enemy, the troops fought so gallantly, 
they were complimented on the field by the commanding gen- 
eral. After guarding Franklin's Ford, resting in camp at Oak 
Church, making the " mud march " early in 1863, the battery 
May 3, went into the fight at Chancellorsville, and handsomely 
repulsed Barksdale's brigade. 

499 



500 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

In the official report of the battle, the honor of routing the reb- 
els at this point was given to the First Light Battery. The work 
on the 4th at Salem Church, when the Mississippi brigade was 
encountered again, was no less brilliant. Three times the enemy 
advanced across the open plain with hideous yells, and as often 
were beaten back, until the attempt to dislodge the battery was 
abandoned. Gen. Sedgewick, in his report, attributed " the suc- 
cess on this part of the line greatly to the fire " of the battery. 
Recrossing the Rappahannock, and shelling rifle-pits to protect 
the laying of pontoon-bridges ; under severe fire at Gettysburg ; 
marching from place to place, and engaged with the enemy at 
Sander's House, — the battery passed the spring and summer. 
It was encamped at Brandy Station during the subsequent win- 
ter ; and in May, 1864, entered the Wilderness. 

At Guiness Station, North Anna River, Pamunkey River, Cold 
Harbor, and, June 18, at Petersburg, the battery maintained its 
honorable bearing, losing men and horses, but neither loyalty nor 
heroism. About the middle of Jvily, it was ordered to Wasliing- 
ton, thence to Harper's Ferry, Snicker's Gap, and Strasburg. It 
was engaged at Winchester and Fisher's Hill. It then moved 
with the Sixth Army Corps to Staunton, Va. ; and, Oct. 2, was 
ordered to Boston to be mustered out. Wrote an officer, — 

At Winchester and Fisher's Hill, this battery received distinguished honors 
on the field of battle, personally, from Major-Gen. P. H. Sheridan. It also 
affords me much pleasure to be able to report, that but three men of this 
command were ever captured by the enemy, and they have been exchanged ; 
and, during all the time this command was in the service, it did not lose, by 
capture by the enemy, even the smallest portion of its armament or equip- 
ment ; and not a man of this battery ever shirked a fight, or failed to do his 
duty in action. 



SECOND LIGHT BATTERY. 

This company was projected originally by Major Cobb, who had 
gained considerable distinction as a good artillery-officer in our 
militia service. Before the battery left the State, private engage- 
ments rendered it necessary for him to decline serving with the 
battery. Capt. Nims, also an excellent artillery-officer, was then 
appointed captain, and has remained in command ever since. 

The battery was mustered into the United-States service July 
31, 1861, to serve for three years, or until the end of the war. 



SECOND LIGHT BATTERY. 501 

The following is the list of officers : — 

Captain ...... Ormand F. Nims. 

First Lieutenant ..... John W. Walcott. 

Second " ..... John Bigelow. 

Third " George G. Trull. 

Fourth " Richard B. Hall. 

We give only a mere outline of the splendid career of this 
battery. 

• On the 8th of August, the company left the State, proceeded to 
Baltimore, and wont into camp. On the 4th of November, it was 
sent on an expedition, under Gen. Lockwood, to the Eastern 
Shore, Va., and, after an absence of forty-one days, returned to 
Baltimore. Thence, on the 25th of February, it sailed to Fortress 
Monroe, and went into camp ; where it remained until the 19th 
of April, when it received orders to report to Major-Gen. Butler, 
commanding Department of the Gulf. 

The principal facts of interest in the history of 1862 for this 
battery were the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Baton 
Rouge, in both of which it took an active part. 

During the spring months, the endurance of the troops, and 
their readiness for duty, regardless of danger, were proved along 
the Vermilion River, at Opelousas, and in marches from point to 
point. Two sections of the battery united again before Port Hud- 
son on the 29th of May, and took part in the assault of the next 
day. 

From the 1st to the 14th of June, the battery was in different 
positions, — front, left, and right, — dismounting the enemy's 
guns, and otherwise doing good execution. On the surrender of this 
stronghold, the company moved inside the fortifications. On the 
11th of July, it took up the line of march for Baton Rouge, and 
thence proceeded to New Orleans, via Donaldsonville and Car- 
rollton. Having been fitted out with horses and artillery, it set 
out, early in September, for New Iberia and Vermilion, camping 
at various points, and having frequent skirmishes. 

At Carrion Crow, one section was attacked in camp ; and after 
an exciting running fight in front and rear, against greatly su- 
perior numbers, it succeeded in joining Gon. Cameron's command, 
Tlien returning to the field, it drove the rebels in disorder, who 
left their dead and wounded on the field. 

The battery then returned, and went into camp at New Iberia. 



502 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Early in January, the troops were again in motion. The roads 
being in a frightful condition, their progress was necessarily slow 
and toilsome. 

On the 2d of April, the battery took part in the reconnoissance 
towards Shreveport, and, on the 6th, engaged in the battle of 
Pleasant Hill. On the 8th was fought the hotly-contested battle 
of Sabine Cross-roads. In this action, both officers and men of 
the battery were conspicuous for their steadiness and gallantry. 
In comphment to them, Gen. A. L. Lee, commanding cavalry 
division, assigned the battery the dangerous and responsil)le duty 
of guarding the ammunition-trains from Pleasant Hill to Grand 
Encore, which it was expected would be attacked. Through the 
spring, summer, and autumn of this year, the battery performed 
various services in Southern Mississippi. On the 5th of October, 
it had a sharp contest with the enemy at Jackson. 

During this season, Morganza was the headquarters of the bat- 
tery, although various expeditions were made. 

Of the early spring marches, through dense forests, over rocky 
hills, through swamps and quicksands, after reaching Florida, 
to Pensacola, and beyond it, an officer wrote, — 

The men threw themselves upon the wet, swampy ground around their 
camp-fires, until the shrill bugle-eall summoned them in the darkness to the 
march again. The rain poured incessantly ; horses dropped down, exhausted 
and completely worn out, every hour ; and the progress was so very slow,' that 
not over three miles could be marched during a day and night. 

On the 1st of April, the battery was engaged in a severe skir- 
mish near Fort Blakely. On the 2d, the fort was closely invested, ■ 
and, on the 9th, was taken by storm. Four thousand prisoners, and 
all its munitions of war, fell into the hands of the victors. 

Fifteen miles from Claiborne, Ala., on the 11th of April, oc- 
curred the last cavalry fight and the last sabre charge of the war, 
— three hundred troopers cutting and slashing among fifteen 
hundred. It was a brilliant affair. Tbc enemy was completely 
routed, five hundred prisoners were taken, and four hundred 
horses and mules captured. 

Marching towards the Georgia line, the victorious band crossed 
the Chattahoochee, and received orders from Gen. Grierson, May 
2, to proceed to Montgomery, Ala. ; which they entered on the 
6th, having subsisted for more than a month on corn-meal alone. 
Their next march was to Columbus, Miss., which they reached on 
the 21th ; when the horses and mules of the battery were so worn 



THIRD LIGHT BATTERY. 503 

down, that it was necessary to send them forward to Mobile by 
railway, and thence to Vicksburg by water ; while the troops not 
required to load, and attend to the carriages, marched on foot, 
and arrived at the city June 4. Here ended a journey of six- 
teen hundred miles, performed since March 18. 

July 22, the stores were turned over to the proper officers. 
The loss of the battery in mules and horses throwgh the last cam- 
paign was over two hundred. 

Aug. 4, the troops arrived in Boston, and, on the 11th, were 
honorably discharged from service, at Galloupe's Island. Thus 
terminated the gallant services of the famous Nims's Battery. 



THIRD LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Third Light Battery was organized Sept. 5, 1861, and 
left the State Oct. 7 of the same year, under the command of 

Captain Dexter H. Follet. 

First Lieutenant .... Augustus P. Martin. 

Caleb C. E. Mortimer. 

Second Lieutenant .... Valentine M. Dunn. 

" William W. Snelling. 

On arriving at Washington, it became attached to the Army of 
the Potomac, shared the fortunes of that army, and participated 
in most of its engagements. On the ITtli of September, it was 
attached to Brig.-Gen. Fitz-John Porter's division at Hall's Hill, 
Va., where it remained until the advance of the army under 
Gen McClellan commenced. It took part in the reconnoissance to 
Big Bethel, March 27, 18(32. It was engaged with the enemy 
first at York town, and afterwards took part in all the principal 
battles of the Peninsular campaign. On the return of the 
army, the battery took part in the Maryland campaign. At An- 
tietam, Sept. 17, it was held in reserve during the action of that 
day. On the 20th, it took position on the bank of the Potomac to 
cover the crossing and recrossing of the infantry over the river. 
There it remained until the 30th of October, when an advance 
was again made via Snicker's Gap, White Plains, and New Balti- 
more. 

The 11th of November found the battery at Warrenton, where, 
on the occasion of Gen. McClellan's taking leave of the Army of 
the Potomac, it fired the national salute. On the 24th , the Third 



604 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

Battery went into winter-quarters, near the railroad at Stoneman's 
Switch, for several months, meanwhile moving to Fredericks- 
burg and to the front. 

On the 13tli of June, it commenced, with tlie Army of the 
Potomac, its northern march, and, on the 1st of July, had reached 
the vicinity of Gettysburg, Penn. 

It accompanied the Potomac Army, with no incidents of special 
interest, until the 29th of November, when it moved up to the 
front at Mine Run with other twelve-pound batteries in reserve. 

The army recrossed the Rappahannock on the 3d of December, 
and the Third Light Battery went into winter-quarters midway 
between Bealton and Rappahannock Station. 

May 1, 1864, it broke camp, and marched with the array; 
crossed the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers, and, on the 5th, 
advanced a short distance up the pike to the Wilderness, near 
the line of battle of the third division. Fifth Corps ; and, during 
the next two days, was engaged at intervals with the enemy. 

After a gallant but fruitless attack upon the stronghold of the 
enemy at Laurel Hill, a fight at North Anna River May 23, 
at Shady Grove on the oOth, and other skirmishes along the 
march, the battery arrived in front of the enemy's line of fortifi- 
cations, before Petersburg, on the 17th. 

On the 22d, it took a position within five hundred yards of the 
enemy's works, where it remained until the 13th of August ; the 
men living in bomb-proofs, and the horses and camp equipage, 
&c., about one mile in the rear. 

On the 18th, the battery moved with the second division, Fifth 
Corps, to the Weldon Railroad, and engaged the enemy. On the 
21st, fighting was renewed ; and the battery kept up a continuous 
and rapid fire throughout the engagement. 

The expiration of the term of service being near at hand, an 
order was issued on the 30th of August for the veterans and re- 
cruits of the battery to be transferred to the Fifth Massachusetts 
Battery, Capt. Phillips, and the Third ordered to the rear, with 
instructions to turn over the battery, &c., preparatory to leaving 
the army ; and, on the morning of Sept. 4, the officers and men 
whose term of service was about to expire marched to City Point, 
Va., and, on the 5th of September, left for Boston, where they ar- 
rived on the 9th, and were welcomed by Mayor Lincoln and Capt. 
Follett in patriotic addresses, to which Capt. Martin responded. 
The men then partook of a bountiful collation provided by the 
city of Boston, and were furloughed until the 16th of September ; 



FOURTH LIGHT BATTERY. 505 

when they assembled on Boston Common, and were mustered out 
of the United-States service. 

During the three years this battery was in the service, it won for itself an 
imperishable name, and a reputation second to none in the service. It was 
once asked of a distinguished general in the Army of the Potomac, by a 
gentleman, what kind of a battery Martin's battery was. He replied, 
" Regular or irregular, there is no better battery in the service." 

When the battery first arrived in Washington, in October, 1861, it was 
assigned to Porter's division. Army of the Potomac ; and from that time until 
the day on which it was relieved, and ordered to report at Boston to be mus- 
tered out of the service, it shared all the victories and defeats, hardships and 
pleasures, of that grand old army. 

The retrospection, bringing up deeds of heroism of gallant and noble 
spirits who have given up their lives in defence of their country's flag, is 
indeed mournful ; but their memories and services will live forever in the 
hearts of their countrymen, and in the gratitude and respect of posterity. 



THE FOURTH LIGHT BATTERY 

Was raised by Capt. C. H. Manning, and went into camp at 
Lowell, Mass., Sept. 23, 1861. It sailed for Ship Island on the 
20th of November following, and reached its destination Dec. 3. 
On its roster we find the following officers : — 



Captain Charles Ht Manning. 

Frederic W. Reinhardt. 
Joseph R. Salla. 
Henry Davidson. 
George W. Taylor. 



First Lieutenant 
Second Lieutenant 



The principal events of interest in the history of this battery, 
during the remainder of this year, were, — 

First, An expedition undertaken by Lieut.-Col. Kimball, with 
four companies of the Twelfth Maine, and one section of the bat- 
tery commanded by Lieut. G. W. Taylor. This force embarked 
on board the steamers " Gray Cloud," " New London," and " I. 
M. Brown," and proceeded up the river. Soon after, on round- 
ing a bend in the river, it was fired upon by a battery from the 
shore. 

We quote the language of an officer : — 

Our men immediately brought their guns to bear ; and, after firing about 
twenty rounds, the rebels abandoned their guns and camp, leaving every thing 

64 



506 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

in our bands. The rebel battery mounted two tbirty-two-pounders, and in 
good hands would have proved formidable. Our men seized all the camp- 
equipage and commissary-stores, and after spiking the guns, burning the 
carriages, and otherwise rendering them unserviceable, commenced tearing up 
the track of the New-Orleans and Jackson Raili'oad. They then proceeded 
to the other pass, and, on their arrival there, found that the rebels had 
abandoned two thirty-two-pounder gun-batteries, having been alarmed by our 
firing, and by the explosion of the shells which we had thrown down the track 
at the retreating enemy in that direction. This camp was distant some two 
miles from the former. The guns here were rendered unserviceable, as in the 
former instance ; and, after lying at the bridge all night, our men started for 
Madisonville, on the Tangipaho River. They expected to find a band of reb- 
els at this place ; but none were to be seen, excepting a rebel colonel, whom 
they made prisoner, and a few others. They next proceeded to Mandeville, 
on the lake-shore. They found no rebels at this place ; and, the object of 
the expedition having been accomplished, they returned to camp June 20. 

The second was the battle of Baton Rouge, Aug. 5. The same 
officer writes, — 

One section (howitzers), under command of Lieut. Davidson, took its place 
at the appointed time on an eminence on the left of the line, supported by the 
Fourth Wisconsin and Ninth Connecticut Volunteers ; the other two sections 
(twelve-pounder riiled), under command of Capt. Manning, in the cemetery, 
on the left also. At sunrise, the pickets on our extreme right were vigorously 
attacked by the enemy ; and, in a very short time, the whole right and centre 
became hotly engaged. Gen. Williams, who had been near for some time, 
gave the order, " Limber up, and take a po.sition farther to the right." Took 
position to the left of the Fourteenth Maine Regiment, and commenced throw- 
ing shell and spherical case-shot. A rebel battery opened on us with solid 
shot, but was soon completely silenced. The first section, under command of 
Lieut. Reinhardt, proceeded to the right when the firing commenced, and 
opened on the enemy at about fifty yards. Owing to the thickness of the 
fog, tlie enemy were not supposed to be so near. The rebels, seeing them, at 
once directed their fire in so effectual a manner as to kill and disable nearly 
every one of the horses belonging to gun No. 1, when they were ordered to 
withdraw to a position farther to the rear. The third section, under command 
of Capt. Manning, having remained in the cemetery, now joined the first and 
second, and the battery went to the right of the Twenty-first Indiana Regi- 
ment. The fire of the enemy at this place was very hot ; and Col. Dudley, 
in command of the right, ordered this battery to take a position to the rear, 
which they did accordingly : but the last charge of the Twenty-first Indiana 
decided the fate of the day, and the battle of Baton Rouge proved a victorious 
day to the forces of the Union. The battery had one man killed, and five 
wounded. 



THE FOURTH BATTERY AT PORT HUDSON. 507 

On the 21st of August, the battery went by steamer to Carroll- 
ton, and on the 26th arrived at Camp Williams, named in honor 
of the hero of Baton Rouge. Here, owing to the low ground on 
which the encampment was pitched, ague and congestive^ fevers 
prevailed extensively. The sickness increasing, the battery re- 
ceived orders, Oct. 28, to proceed to Fort Pike to recruit in 
health. It embarked on board a steamer at the lake-end of the 
Carrollton Railroad on the 29th, and arrived at the fort on the 
same evening. Various expeditions followed, attended with 
some sharp and brilliant conflicts with the enemy at and near 
Bonfonca. 

On the 1st of March, the battery was attached to the third divis- 
ion. Nineteenth Army Corps, and marched on the campaign in 
the rear of Port Hudson. 

In the terrific assault upon the enemy's works, made May 27, 
the battery was distinguished for rapidity of its firing, and change 
of position, which made it well-nigh impossible for the enemy to 
keep the range. 

June 13, the battery took a position to the right of Port-Hud- 
son Road, and five hundred yards from the enemy's breastworks. 
From this position, in the assault of the next day, it threw five 
hundred and eighty-four rounds of shell and spherical case-shot 
inside the fortifications. From tliis date until the 10th of July, 
sections of the battery were engaged in foraging expeditions, col- 
lecting cotton, and fighting guerillas. It was then temporarily 
attached to Col. Gooding's brigade, and, on the night of the 11th, 
marched to Baton Rouge. 

Sept. 23, it was at Brashear City. On the 25th, it joined 
the third division, Nineteenth Army Corps, and, on the 3d of 
October, commenced the march for Opelousas, and had several 
sharp skirmishes with the enemy. 

Nov. 1, the return-march commenced. On the 11th, the bat- 
tery, under command of Capt. Trull, had a spirited encounter 
with tlie enemy, who was repulsed at every point with loss. On 
the 17tli, the troops reached New Iberia, and went into camp on 
the Teche. While here, all the non-commissioned officers and 
men, except three, re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. 

Early in January, 1864, the battery marched with Gen. Gro- 
ver's division to Franklin. The deep mud and cold weatlier ren- 
dered this march a very hard one to botli men and horses. 

On the 2oth of January, the battery was ordered to New 
Orleans preparatory to being furloughed. There it remained 



508 MASSACHUSETTS IJST THE REBELLION. 

until the 11th of Febriitiry, when it embarked for Boston, arriving 
at its destination on the 21st. 

Their furlough having expired, the men of the Fourth Battery 
assembred at Beach-street Barracks, Boston, and, on the 27th of 
March, again embarked on the ocean steamer " Liberty " for New 
Orleans ; arriving there, after a rough and disagreeable passage, on 
the 6th of April. 

The battery remained in quarters at the Tobacco Warehouse 
and the Apollo Stables until the 5th of September ; when it 
proceeded to Morganza, La., and reported to Gen. Lawler. On 
the morning of the 17th, Lieut. Manning, with a section of the 
battery, was ordered to proceed to the Atchafalaya River, and 
report to Col. Spiceley, commanding a brigade at Morgan's 
Ferry. 

Wrote an officer, — 

While on the march to, and when near, the river, his command was fired 
on by the enemy, and their tire was returned by his guns. Firing of artillery 
and sharpshooters was kept up nearly all day from across the river ; when, at 
night, the enemy drew off out of range. Our loss in this action was two men 
wounded, one man missing, two horses killed, and nine horses wounded. Col. 
Spiceley, the brigade commander, spoke in high terms of pi'aise of Lieut. 
Manning and the men under his command. 

During October, November, December, January, and a part of 
February, 1865, it was at various points in Mississippi, Tennessee, 
and Alabama. 

On the 9th of February, at Dauphine Island, Ala., it became 
permanently attached to the first division. Thirteenth Army 
Corps, Brig.-Gen. James C. Veatch commanding. It remained 
in camp until the 17th. While here, every thing was put in 
the best possible order for hard marching. 

The division crossed the channel above Fort Morgan, and, on 
the 18th of February, commenced its advance over sandy roads 
and through forests. The progress of the army was necessarily 
very slow. On the 27th of March, it began the siege of Spanish 
Fort, one of the principal defences of Mobile, 

Space will not allow us to state even a few of the interesting 
incidents of this siege. Firing was kept up every day, and the 
batteries engaged, until the 8th of April, when the old flag was 
displayed from the heights upon which stood Spanish Fort, Red 
Fort, and Alexis. The troops then proceeded to Blakeley, march- 
ing all night, and reaching their destination at nine, a.m., of the 



FIFTH LIGHT BATTERY. ' 509 

9th, through a shower of rain, and also of shells and bullets from 
the enemy. 

Says the official record, — 

Fivino" was commenced by ten, a.m., and kept up till four, p.m. ; when a 
simultaneous charge was made upon the rebel works, and they were carried 
in splendid order. All the men and material of the rebels fell into the hands 
of the United States, and the last key to the fine city of iMobile was ours. 
At night, the men of the Fourth Battery took charge of all the cannon and 
ammunition captured in the forts on the enemy's left, and remained inside the 
works during the night. 

On the 12th, Gen. Veatch's division entered the city, and 
hoisted the stars and stripes over the custom-house and other 
public buildings. 

The battery continued on duty in the neighborhood of Mobile 
until the 1st of July, when it was ordered to Galveston, Tex. 
Sections of the battery were on duty at various points in this State 
until the 5th of October, when it embarked at Galveston for 
home, touching at New Orleans and at New York, and arriving 
in Boston on the morning of Nov. 3. It then proceeded to Gal- 
loupe's Island, Boston Harbor, where it was mustered out of the 
service of the United States, Nov. 10, 1865. 



FIFTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Fifth Light Battery left Massachusetts Dec. 25, and reached 
Washington on the 27th, 1861. It was attached, during its term 
of service, to the Army of the Potomac, and 'participated in most of 
the engagements of that army. 

The orioinal officers of the Fifth were, — 



Captain 

First Lieutenant . 

Second Lieutenant 



Mas Eppendorflr. 
George D. Allen. 
John B. Hyde. 
Robert A. DiUingham. 
Charles A. Phillips. 



The battery was encamped on Capitol Hill until the 13th of 
February, 1862 ; wdien it reported to Gen. Fitz-John Porter at 
Hall's Hill, Va., and was attached to his division. It was engaged 
in the siege of Yorktown ; and, on the evacuation of that post by 



510 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the enemy, it marched to the Chickahominy with the division. 
We quote from the official report : — 

During tbe month of June, 1862, the battery was constantly engaged on 
picket-duty on the Chickahominy. 

On the '11th of June, Gen. Porter's corps was defeated in the battle of 
Gaines's Mills, or the Chickahominy. The Fifth Battery was placed on the 
left of the line, supported by Gen. Butterfield's brigade. About five o'clock 
in the afternoon, the enemy, having succeeded in driving Butterfield's brigade 
out of the woods in front of the battery, charged upon the guns. The force 
immediately opposed to the battery is believed to have been a brigade of five 
Alabama regiments. The battery continued to fire upon the enemy until our 
infantry had all retreated some distance in rear of the guns ; when, finding 
that the enemy would surround us, we attempted to retreat. All the guns 
were limbered up ; but, the enemy having approached within less than three 
hundred yards, most of the horses were shot, and four guns were left on the 
field, the other two being brought off in safety. Losses, two killed, three 
wounded, of whom two, with two others, were taken prisoners. 28th, the 
battery marched to White-oak Swamp ; 29uh, continued the march ; 30th, 
marched to Malvern Hill. 

On the 1st of July, Porter's corps was engaged in the battle of Malvern 
Hill. Loss, two wounded. On that night the division marched to Harrison's 
Landing, where they remained till the 1.5th of August. 

On the 12th of July, on account of the great loss of guns and horses and 
the reduced number of men, the members of the battery were temporarily as- 
signed to the other batteries of the division. Twenty-five men were detailed to 
the Fourth Rhode-Island Battery ; and the officers and the rest of the men 
assigned ibr duty to the Third Massachusetts Battery, Capt. Martin. 

Oil the 17th of November, 1862, the Fifth Army Corps com- 
menced its march towards Falmouth ; and on the 23d encamped in 
the vicinity of Stoneman Switch, on the Acquia-Creek and Fred- 
ericksburg Railroad. The Fifth Battery was encamped about half-' 
way between Stoneman's Switch and Potomac Creek. This camp 
it occupied for about six months. The Third Battery camped 
in the same field, just across the railroad. In the attack of the 
13th of December on Fredericksburg, the battery crossed the 
river by a pontoon-bridge, and took position just outside the city, 
its left resting on the Foorhouse, its right on a brick-yard. Here 
it remained until dark, directing its fire at the famous stone wall 
at the foot of the heights, behind wliich the rebel infantry were 
posted. This position it maintained until the evening of the 
loth. The next morning (the 16tli), it recrossed the river, and 
returned to its camp. 



FIFTH BATTERY EN ROUTE TO GETTYSBURG. 511 

Jan. 20, tho battery took part in the famous " niiuJ march ; " 
after which it remained quietly in camp until the Chaucollorsville 
campaign, marching with it, but not actively engaged. 

On the lotii of June, this command began its march towards 
Gettysburg, where it arrived July 2. On this and the succeed- 
ing day, the battery was in action, losing seven killed and thirteen 
wounded. Filty-nine horses were disabled, and seven hundred 
rounds were fired. 

On the 10th, the battery joined the corps on the road to Wil- 
liamsport. On the 17th of September, it crossed the Rappahan- 
nock with the Fifth Corps, and took a position about two miles 
beyond Culpe|)cr Court House, where it remained until the army 
began to fall back to Centreville. 

On the 7th of November, it took part in the engagement at 
Rappahannock Station, having been placed in a position on the 
left of the railroad, from which it shelled the rebel works until 
they were taken by the Sixth Corps. 

On the 27th, the Fifth Battery marched to Mount-Hope Church 
to relieve Gen. Gregg's cavalry, who were engaged with the 
enemy ; and, on the 29tli, was in the centre of the line of battle at 
Mine Run. 

On the Gth of December, the battery went' into winter-quarters 
at Rappahannock Station, and remained there until May 1, 1864 ; 
when, in connection with the Fifth Corps, it crossed the Rapidan, 
and, May 4, camped in the Wilderness. The next day, the right 
section was placed in position on the turnpike. This was joined 
on the Gth by the rest of the battery ; and on the evening of the 
7th it marched to Laurel Hill, but was not engaged in the action 
of the following day. The marches and engagements of this cam- 
paign, in which the Fifth Battery took part, have been briefly 
detailed in the narrative of the Third Battery. Arriving before 
Petersburg on the 17th of June, it engaged in the action of the 
next day, losing heavily. On the evening of July 29, it was 
placed in Battery Number Eight on the front, and took part in the 
artillery demonstration which followed the explosion of the mine 
on the 30th. 

On the 18th of August, the Fifth Battery moved with the Fifth 
Corps to the Weldon Railroad, and engaged the enemy. During 
the months of September and October, it was stationed at several 
different points, — Yellow Tavern, Fort Davidson, Hatcher's Run, 

Dec. 7, it again moved with the Sixth Corps to the Weldon 
Railroad, and destroyed the track from Nottoway to Meherin. 



512 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

During the year, the battery had been greatly reduced in num- 
bers by the mustering-out of the original members who had not 
re-enlisted. 

The winter months of 1865 were passed by the men of this 
battery in quarters near those of the Fifth Army Corps. Of the 
opening of the spring campaign, an officer of the battery writes, — 

March 16, the batteries of the Army of the Potomac were reduced to four 
guns each. On the 18th of March, our guns were again placed in Fort Hayes, 
and for the last time pointed towards the enemy. On the 28th of March, the army 
preparing to make the movement to the left which resulted in Lee's surrender, 
five batteries of the Fifth Corps marched to corps headquarters at Hatcher's 
Kun ; two batteries reported to the Ninth Corps ; and three batteries besides my 
own were placed under my command, and operated with the Ninth Corps in 
the final attack upon Petersburg. About midnight of the 1st of April, an 
attack was made along the front of the Ninth Corps ; and, by daylight of the 
2d, we had captured about half a mile of the rebel works, extending from the 
Jerusalem Plank-road towards our right. 

This, however, was effected only through the skill and valor 
whicli had distinguished the victors throughout their entire term 
of service thus far. The list of battles (of which this was the last) 
and the list of the killed and wounded will show what the Fifth 
Light Battery dared and suffered in the discharge of duty. 

On the 4th of April, it was ordered to City Point, where it became 
a part of the second brigade of the Artillery Reserve. 

On the 3d of May, it left for Washington. 

On the 2d of June, made preparations for returning to Massa- 
chusetts. It abandoned its last camp in Virginia on the 4th ; 
reached Readville on the 6th ; and on the 12th, after nearly four 
years of experience in the camp and in the field, the men of the 
Fifth Light Battery were mustered out of the service of the United 
States, and dispersed to their homes. 

SIXTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Sixth Light Battery was recruited under the auspices of 
Major-Gen. Butler, and mustered into the service of the United 
States Jan. 20, 1862. Its roster of officers was as follows : — 

Captain Charles Everett. 

First Lieutenant AVilliam W. Carruth. 

John F. Phelps. 

Second Lieutenant . . . • William B. AUyn. 

" " .... Frank Bruce. 



THE SIXTH BATTERY GOES TO NEW ORLEANS. 513 

This battery sailed for Sliip Island Feb. 8, and reached its des- 
tination on the 8th of March. We quote from official papers : — 

On the 15tli of April, the battery embarked on board the steamer " Missis- 
sippi " for New Orleans, and sailed for the river, which they entered ; and, 
after waiting with the other troops till the grand passage of the forts by the 
navy, they went on to the city, and accompanied Gen. Butler as a part of 
the guard to the St. Charles Hotel. 

Two days after, a section under Lieut. Carruth crossed to Algiers, and, 
with the Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers, took possession of the New-Orleans, 
Great -Western, and Opelousas Railroad, by running a train to Brashear City, 
on Berwick Bay. the western terminus of tlie railroad, and seizing all the 
rolling-stock of the road. They then returned to Algiers. 

This same section made an expedition with the same regiment 
to Houma ; was absent one week ; and returned to Algiers, having 
accomplished its object. 

Meantime the remainder of the battery, under command of Capt. Everett, 
and in the brigade of Gren. Thomas Williams, proceeded on a reconnoitring 
expedition up the river as far as Vicksburg. Were on board transports for 
nearly a month, and finally disembarked at Baton Rouge. Here they were 
soon joined by the section from Algiers, which had, in the mean time, been 
twice up the Red river, and, with infantry of the Twenty-first Indiana, cap- 
tured two steamboats from the enemy. 

The section at Baton Rouge was not idle. It made several 
expeditions into the country, and twice routed the irregular cav- 
alry of the enemy that hovered about Baton Rouge. Here, on 
the 5th of August, the rebels under Gen. Breckenridge, in strong 
force, attacked the Federal troops, and, after a desperate battle of 
five hours' duration, were totally defeated. In this action, the 
l^attery fully upheld, with the other Massachusetts troops present, 
the honor and reputation of the old Commonwealth. About two 
weeks after, the city of Baton Rouge was evacuated ; and, with 
other troops, the battery proceeded to Carrollton,ncar New Orleans. 

On the 7th of September, Capt. Everett was promoted to and 
accepted the commission of lieutenant-colonel of the Second Re- 
giment Louisiana Volunteers. By an order from Major-Gen. 
Butler, Lieut. Carruth assumed command of the battery as 
captain. 

About the 1st of October, this battery was placed in the Reserve 
Brigade, under command of Gen. Godfrey Wcitzel, and, on the 
24th, went with the brigade on an expedition to the Bayou La- 

05 



514 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

fourche. On the 27th, this force encountered the enemy near the 
town of Laberdiersville, and, after a short battle, routed him ; then 
marched on to Thibodeaux. 

On the 10th of November, 1862, the Sixth Battery was stationed 
at Camp Stevens, near Tliibodeaux, La., with the second brigade, 
first division, Brig.-Gen.Weitzel commanding. 

Jan. 11, 1863, it went on an expedition with the second brigade 
to the Bayou Teche for the purpose of destroying the rebel gun- 
boat " Cotton." The object of the expedition accomplished, the 
force returned to Camp Stevens on the 15th. April 2, the second 
brigade took possession of Brashear City, preparatory to a grand 
advance into the interior of Louisiana. The second brigade 
crossed Berwick's Bay on the 9th to cover the crossing of the 
Nineteenth Corps. On the 11th, the grand army began to move. 
An officer of the Sixth Battery reports, — 

On arriving at Camp Bisland (rebel) , found the enemy strongly intrenched, 
and prepared to dispute our farther advance. The second brigade was 
ordered forward to engage them, to ascertain their position and force. Be- 
fore getting in ]>osition, a shell from the enemy killed two of our horses, and 
slightly wounded the driver (Ferdinand Buckler), who was mounted at the 
time. After engaging them two hours, — their force, number, and caliber of 
their guns, being fully ascertained, — fell back out of range to bivouac for the 
night. Early on the morning of the 13th, the whole force was under arms, 
and ready for the fray. Slowly and cautiously we advanced, and it was ten 
o'clock before the fight became general ; but, when it fairly opened, it was with 
a fierceness that well repaid the loss of time. The position of this battery 
was on the extreme left ; and, while advancing through a heavy field of cane, 
the enemy opened upon us from three guns (before masked) with terrible 
efiect. One of their shells, bursting in our midst, killed Private John Mans- 
field, and a ball from the enemy's sharpshooters wounded Frank A. Gushee. 
At night, the firing ceased : and, when morning dawned, not a foe was to be 
seen ; for they had retreated, leaving us a number of their guns. Not wait- 
ing to ascertain our spoil, we pursued them, driving them in our fi-ont towards 
Opelousas, where we arrived on the 20th, and halted a few days for rest. 
Capt. Carruth and First Lieut. Frank Bruce here obtained leave of absence, 
and the command devolved upon Fiist Lieut. John F. Phelps. 

On the 2d of May, the United-States forces moved forward, and 
took possession of Alexandria. On the 17th, they evacuated the 
town, and took up the line of march for Port Hudson. On arriv- 
ing at Bayou Sara, La., the left section, under Sergeant Chubbuck, 
was ordered to report at Point Coupee, opposite Port Hudson. 
The remaining two sections engaged in the grand assault of May 



THE SIXTH BATTERY IN LOUISIANA. 515 

27. The right section, under Lieut. Phelps, advanced to within 
three hundred yards of the enemy's works, and maintained the 
position during the siege. 

On the surrender of this stronghold, the Sixth Battery, with 
the second brigade, was sent upon an expedition to Bayou 
Lafourche, where the enemy had assembled a considerable force. 

Four guns of this battery were attached to the first brigade, 
Col. Dudley commanding; and, on the 12th of July, this force 
moved forward to ascertain the strength and position of the enemy. 
Early on the ensuing morning, Col. Dudley's command became 
engaged with greatly superior numbers of the foe. One of the 
guns of this battery was dismounted ; and the order to fall back 
came so suddenly, that it was not mounted, but left a trophy to 
the rebels. The force then retired to Donaldsonville, when the 
battery was rejoined by the left section from Point Coupee. 

From this place the battery was ordered to Algiers to recruit. 
Arriving on the 25th of September, it was changed into a four- 
gun battery, thoroughly equipped for service, and ordered to 
report for field-service to the first division. During the month 
of October, the battery was successively at Berwick Bay, Frank- 
lin, and Carrion-crow Bayou. On the 1st of November, it was at 
Vermilion Bayou, and on the 16th went into camp at New Iberia, 
The record for 1864 is thus briefly summed up by Capt. Rus- 
sell:— 

January, 1864, found this battery at New Iberia, La. ; and, on the 5th 
of January, the battery re-enlisted as veterans. On the 7th, marched to 
Franklin, where it remained until jMarch 3, when it received orders to turn 
over its armament, and report at New Orleans, for the purpose of taking a 
furlough of thirty days in Massachusetts. Left New Orleans April 1.3, and 
arrived at Boston April 20. On the 25th, each man received from the 
State of INIassachusetts a veteran bounty of three hundred and twenty-five 
dollars. On the 23d of May, the battery left Boston, and arrived at New 
Orleans June 8. Soon after its arrival, it received four guns and a part of 
an equipment, and has since that time remained in this city. The men not 
having been two years in service at the time they re-enlisted, the War De- 
partment disapproved the action of Gen. Banks in the case of the battery, 
and ordered the men mustered out on the 20th of January, 1865 ; at which 
time they were sent to Boston, under the charge of Capt. Hamlin, of the 
Thirteenth Massachusetts Battery, for that purpose. 

On the 1st of January, 1865, First Lieut. Bruce, of this battery, resigned ; 
and Capt. Phelps was "dismissed the service. The battery has received, dur- 
ing the month of January, forty-six men by transfer from other batteries 
which bad an excess, and seventy-five recruits from Massachusetts. 



516 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

In the month of February, 1865, it was increased to a six-gun 
battery, and retained by Gen. Sherman in New Orleans. 

In the month of June, the battery lost fifty-two men by orders from the War 
Department ordering the muster-out of all men whose term of service ex- 
pired prior to Oct. 1, 1865. Leaving the command on the 1st of July, com- 
posed of four commissioned officers and one hundred and fifteen enlisted men 
(and its reputation for all those qualities which make a good battery was sec- 
ond to none in the department of the Gulf), it was selected by Major-Gen. 
Canby as one to be filled to the maximum and retained in the service. 
Subsequently the War Department ordered the muster-out of all volunteer 
light artillery in the department of the Gulf, when its public property was 
turned over ; and, on the 21st of July, the company embarked on board the 
United-States steam-transport " Ashland " for New York, en route for Massa- 
chusetts, to be mustered out of service. ■ 

It arrived at Readville Aug. 1 ; received payment in full ; and 
was disbanded Aug. 10, 1865. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



Seventh Light Batterj'. — Detailed for Provost-ckity at Fortress Monroe. — Goes to Norfolk, 
Va. — Goes to New York. — Sent to the Department of the Gulf. — Expeditions.— 
Goes to Alabama. — At the Capture of Spanish Fort. — Sails to Texas. — Returns 
Home. — Eighth Light Battery. — A Six-months' Battery. — At Bull Run. — Antietam. 

— Capture of Maryland Rebel Recruits. — Ninth Light Battery. —At Fort Ramsay.— 
With the Army of the Potomac. — Wilderness. — Across the James. — Weldon Rail- 
road. — Close of the War. — Mustered out. — Tenth Light Battery. — On the Upper 
Potomac. — Engagement near Auburn. — Mine Run. — Wilderness. — Hatcher's Run. 

— Grand Review. — Return Home. — Eleventh Light Battery. — Wilderness. — Wel- 
don Railroad. — Closing Events of the Siege of Petersburg. — Twelfth Light Battery. 
Goes to New Orleans. — Expedition to Sunica. — Officer's Report. — Thirteenth Light 
Battery. — Roster. — Sails for the Department of the Gulf. — Capt. Hamlin's Letter. 

— Goes to Port Hudson.— Joins Nims's Battery. — Red-river Expedition. — Return 
to New Orleans. — Fourteenth Light Battery. — Joins the First Division of the Ninth 
Corps. — In the Wilderness. — At^Tolopotomy. — Bethesda Church. — Siege of Peters- 
burg. — Officer's Report. — Fifteenth Light Battery. — Goes to Louisiana. — Embarks 
for Alabama. — Fort Blakely. — Goes to Selma. — Return Home. — Mustered out. — 
Sixteenth Light Battery. — Employed in the Defences of Washington. — Marches to 
Loudon Valley. — Return to Massachusetts. — Massachusetts' Expenses in the War, 
and Character of the Troops. 



rp] 



SEVENTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

(HE Seventh Light Battery was among the very first three- 
X years' men that left the State. It was recruited in Lowell, by 
Capt. Davis, as an infantry company ; and was called the Richard- 
son Light Guard, in honor of George P. Richardson, Esq., who 
had been very active in assisting the recruitment. 
The following is a list of the officers 



Captain 
First Lieutenant 

Second ' ' 



Phineas A. Davis. 
Israel N. Wilson. 
George E. Daua. 
William E. Farrar. 
Edward S. Hunt. 



The company sailed from Boston for Portress Monroe May 
22, 1861, and was intended to be attached to the Third Regi- 
ment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia until its three-months' term 
oi service was completed ; but it was detailed at the fortress on 
provost-duty, and Capt. Davis was provost-marshal. It remained 

617 • 



518 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

a part of the permanent garrison of the fortress, as an infantry 
company, until the 25th of December, 1861, when it was detailed 
on light artillery-duty; and on the 17th of March, 1862, by orders 
from the War Department, it was permanently changed to an 
artillery corps, and became the Seventh Battery of Massachusetts 
Volunteers. 

When the advance upon Norfolk was made, May 10, 1862, 
this company, acting as infantry, was the first to land, and formed 
the right of the advancing column. On the 13th, it again 
returned to Fortress Monroe. 

On the 19th of June, it left the fortress as a battery, fully 
equipped, and with full ranks, and proceeded to Newport News ; 
thence, on the 25th of July, to Yorktown ; and thence, Oct. 2, to 
Suffolk, Va. Thus far it had taken part in some skirmishes, but 
in no battle. While at this point, one section was sent to the 
front each night to guard the crossing of the Nansemond River. 

On the 29th of January, the battery was ordered to report to Brig. -Gen. 
Michael Corcoran for duty, and started at midnight on the march towards 
Blackwater River. Between two and three, a.m., Jan. 30, met the enemy's 
forces under Gen. R. A. Pryor at the Deserted House, nine miles from 
Suffolk, and the command was engaged until daylight ; when the enemy fell 
back about two miles, and made another stand. Here, with four guns only, 
all others being disabled, it sustained the engagement for two hours against a 
superior force, and finally drove them across the Blackwater. The loss was 
two killed, eleven wounded, and two mortally wounded ; five horses killed, 
and seven wounded. 

On the 17th of March, the battery reported to Col. S. P. Spear, 
commanding an expedition for a " flying trip." It engaged the 
enemy at Franklin three-quarters of an hour, but without loss. 
During the investment of Suffolk by Gen. Longstreet, the battery 
was in various parts of the defences, with horses harnessed day 
and night, from the 11th of April to the 3d of May ; when it re- 
ported to Gen. G. W. Getty, crossed the Nansemond, attacked 
the enemy on the Providence-Church Road, and silenced their 
battery. On the 13th, it went on an expedition to Carrsville, 
one section engaging and repulsing the enemy one mile from that 
place. From this date to the 18th of August, the battery was 
stationed at various points in Virginia, frequently under fire, but 
participated in no important engagements. It was then ordered 
to New York to assist in enforcing the draft. It arrived there on 
the 21st, and encamped in Madison Square. On the 11th of Sep- 



TUE SEVENTH BATTERY IN TEXAS. 519 

tember, it returned to Washington, where it remained until the 
beginning of the year 1864 ; when, in pursuance of orders from 
headquarters of the army, it sailed, Jan. 27, for the Department 
of the Gulf. Arriving at New Orleans, the battery became at- 
tached to the Nineteenth Army Corps, and, on the 31st of March, 
went into camp at Alexandria, La. May 11, the march from 
Alexandria to the Mississippi River began ; the. second brigade, to 
which the battery was attached, having the advance. From the 
1st of June until the 11th of September, the battery took part in 
several expeditions sent to different points in Louisiana and 
Arkansas. At this latter date, it was in camp at St. Charles, 
Ark. 

Thence the largest part of the battery was sent to Duvall's 
Bluff, Ark. ; one section remaining at St. Charles. On the 10th 
of January, 1865, it embarked on board the steamer "Rescue" 
for the Department of the Gulf; arriviiig at Kennerville, La., on 
the loth. On the 9th of February, it sailed for Dauphine Island, 
Ala. On the 17th of March, crossed Mobile Bay, and next day 
joined the first division. Thirteenth Army Corps. On the 27th, 
it was ordered into position in front of Spanish Fort, and was en- 
gaged with the enemy every day from that time until the fall of 
that stronghold. April 20, the battery embarked on board steam- 
er " Col. Cowles " as part of an expedition up the Mobile and 
Alabama Rivers. It returned to Mobile on the 16th of May, and 
sailed tlience, on the 30th of June, for Galveston, Tex.; arrived 
there July 3, and, on the 9th, moved to Houston. 

Records an officer, — 

Oct. 1, the property pertaining to the battery having been turned over, 
the company started on its return home. It was detained in Galveston four 
days, and at New Orleans six days, awaiting transportation. 

Oct. 14, it embarked on board steamship " Guiding Star." In the even- 
ing, the ship grounded on the bar at the mouth of the Mississippi Paver, 
where it remained until the 19th, when it was got off, and proceeded on its 
way. On the 22d, the wind commenced blowing a gale from the north-east, 
and increased to a perfect hurricane on the night of the 2.3d. At one o'clock 
on the morning of the 24th, the ship fell off into the trough of the sea, 
where it remained for thirty-six hours, the men working at the pumps during 
that time. On the morning of the 2.5th, the wind having abated, it proceeded 
to Port Royal, S.C., for coal. The company arrived at New- York City on 
the 2d of November, and in Boston on the 3d : it then proceeded to Gal- 
loupe's Island, in the harbor, where it was mustered out of service on the 
10th, and paid off and discharged on the 12th, of November. 



520 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



EIGHTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Eighth Light Battery was organized under the following 
officers : — 



Captain 

Senior First Lieutenant 
Junior " " . 

Senior Second " 
Junior " " . 



Asa M. Cook. 
Charles M. Griffin. 
John N. Coffin. 
James W. Garland. 
Georoe W. Evans. 



We take a brief notice of its early history from the official 
report : — 

The order for the recruitment of this battery for six months' service was 
issued on the •27tb of May, 1862; and, on the 30th of that month, the 
first squad of recruits, numbering over forty, were sworn into service, and 
went into camp at Camp Cameron, North Cambridge. The recruiting 
proceeded rapidly until the full complement was obtained ; and having re- 
ceived its pieces, horses, uniform, and equipments, the battery left Boston for 
Washington June 25. Its journey was interrupted by a most melancholy 
accident a short distance south of Trenton, N. J. The train containing the 
battery ran off the track, and several of the forward ears were thrown into 
the canal. Two men were killed by this event, a number more or less 
wounded, thirteen horses killed, and a large amount of property destroyed. 
The battery returned to Trenton to be put in shape again ; and, on the 
27th of June, resumed its march, and proceeded to Washington, where it 
halted until July 1 by the side of the railroad track. It then crossed 
into Virginia by the Long Bridge, and went into camp near Fairfax Semi- 
nary. While here, it was attached to the brigade of Gen. John Cook, in 
Gen. S- D. Sturgis's reserve army corps. 

On the 8th of x\ugust, it was ordered to report for service in the corps of 
Gen. Burnside. It marched to camp near Falmouth, Va., arriving Aug. 11. 
There it was attached to the division of Gen. Stevens, and marched with a ■ 
detachment of the Ninth Army Corps to the re-enforcement of the Army of 
Virginia, taking a position on the left, seven miles south of Culpeper. 

On the retreat to the Rappahannock, it was detached from the division, and 
sent to guard Barnett's Ford, an important position, which it held, from Aug. 
20th to the 23d, almost without support. At this time, the right section was 
detached from the battery, and was engaged in a skirmish near Sulphur 
Springs, supported by a part of Gen. Sigel's corps. 

The battery marched to Warrenton Aug. 23, and thence to Warrenton 
Junction. On the discovery of Jackson's appearance on our flank at Ma- 



THE EIGHTH BATTERY AT ANTIETAM. 521 

nassas, it inarched with the rest of the division in pursuit of him. It v/as 
engaged in the battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30, and, at the end of the action, 
fell back with the army to Centreville, without the lo8s of a man or a gun. 
On the 1st of September, it took part in the battle of Chantilly, and came 
out with similar good fortune. On the 2d, it encamped near Pond's Mills, 
only one mile from its previous camp at the Seminary. On the 5th, it 
marched to Washington, and received new limbers and caissons, as well as 
ammunition for the coming Maryland campaign. It marched through Lees- 
borough, Brookville, Frederick City, and Middletown, in pursuit of the enemy. 
It was engaged in the battle of South Mountain, Sept. 14, occupying a 
very exposed position on the left, in the teeth of the rebel batteries, and 
under a murderous fire of canister. Loss, one killed, four wounded. 

On the 17th of September, it took part in the great battle of Antietam. 
During the day, it occupied several positions of extreme exposure and danger 
on the left wing of the army ; and its services were highly complimented by 
Gen. Wilcox, commanding the first division, Ninth Army Corps. During 
the night, it held an advanced position on an eminence on the west bank of the 
creek, believed to be the only battery of Gen. Burnside's command which 
remained on that side after sunset. It continued to hold the position until 
late in the afternoon of the 18th, when it was relieved by other troops. 

The battery lay in camp, near the mouth of Antietam Creek, until Oct. 5, 
when it was ordered to Washington Arsenal to exchange its guns for pieces 
of a longer range. 

Oct. 21, it rejoined at Pleasant Valley just in time to participate in the 
advance into Virginia. On the 8th of November, the battery was in camp at 
Waterloo. 

During the last march of the battery through Maryland, on its return from 
Washington, as it was passing througli Hyattstown, its commander was in- 
formed by a disguised scout of the existence of a nest of rebels in the vicinity. 
A party of mounted volunteers of non-commissioned officers and privates, 
under the leadership of Lieuts. Coffin and Kirk, went out in search of the 
rebels, and succeeded in capturing several members of Stuart's cavalry, with 
some recruits for the same regiment who were hiding in a secession house in 
the neighborhood, together with several horses and other valuable contraband 
property. Having completed its term of service, this battery returned to Bos- 
ton. Capt. Cook, who commanded it, is the same gentleman who commanded 
the First Massachusetts in the three-months' service. 



THE NINTH LlfxHT BATTERY 

Was recruited chiefly at Camp Meigs, Reaclville ; though, for a por- 
tion of the time, it was encamped at Camp Stanton, Lynnfield. 
The following is its list of officers : — 

66 



522 MASSACHUSETTS I]Sr THE REBELLION. 

Captain ■.,,,. Achille De Vecebi. 
First Lieutenant . , . . Christopher Erickson. 

.... Alexander H. AVhitaker. 

Second " .... George Warren Foster. 

Kichard Swett Milton. 

The battery left the Commonwealth for Washington Sept. 3, 
1862, and arrived at that city on the 7th, and by Gen. Casey was 
ordered to Camp Seymour, on Capitol Hill, D.C. The company 
remained there until the 22d of September, when it was ordered 
to Camp Chase, in Virginia, and remained there until the 27th 
of October. 

The winter of 1862-3 was passed by the battery at Fort 
Ramsay, on Upton Ilill, and the neighborhood. From the 25th 
of June, it participated in the campaigns of the Army of the 
Potomac up to the close of the year, but was engaged with the 
enemy only at the battle of Gettysburg. 

From the 13th of December until the 4tli of May following, 
the company was encamped at Brandy Station. It then crossed 
the Rapidan. 

Duringithe battles of the Wilderness, the command was not 
actively engaged, but was continually in position, covering the 
reserve-camp and the army-trains, losing but one man wounded. 

It was subsequently engaged in several of the principal battles of 
this campaign. On the 18th, it engaged the enemy near the Avery 
House, in the vicinity of Petersburg, while the corps line was 
advancing. 

At four, P.M., it followed Chamberlain's brigade, first division, 
and Hoffman's brigade, fourth division, on the charge of the corps, 
to within four liundred and eighty yards of the enemy's inner line 
of works, and silenced a battery that had canister range on our 
lines as they continued to advance. It retained the position 
secured after the charge failed, and the line withdrew. 

On the 21st of July, it was assigned to the third division, Fifth 
Corps, and occupied a small redoubt on the Jerusalem Plank-road. 
The middle of August, it was marched to the Weldon Railroad, 
and became heavily engaged with the enemy ; so also on the 
19th and 21st. 

During the remainder of the year, it took part in frequent recon- 
noissances. Notwithstanding the severity of this campaign, the 
men continued uniformly healthy, losing none by disease. On the 
19tli of December, it was in Fort Rice. 



THE NINTH BATTERY AT PETERSBURG. 523 

Feb. 4, the battery was relieved, and the following day, under 
command of Lieut. George W. Foster, accompanied the Fifth 
Army Corps to Hatcher's Run. Feb. 10, a portion of Battery A, 
First A^olunteer Light Artillery, reported for duty to the battery, 
under instructions from the War Department ; and the final con- 
solidation was effected March 11, 1866. 

March 4, the battery moved to Fort Rice, and remained there 
until March 27 ; at which time it was relieved, and reported for 
duty in the Artillery Brigade, Ninth Army Corps. In the final 
assaiilt and surrender of Petersburg, this battery operated with 
the Ninth Corps. 

April 3, after turning in one section to the ordnance-department, 
the battery accompanied its corps to Nottingham Court House, 
where it remained two weeks. April 23, it returned to City Point, 
and was immediately assigned to the artillery reserve of tlie Army 
of the Potomac, in conformity with all batteries not permanently 
assigned to corps. Soon after, the battery moved to Washington, 
preparatory to being mustered out. Says the report, — 

Under provisions of instructions from tbe War Department permitting all 
volunteer batteries to be mustered out in their respective States, the organiza- 
tion left Washington, June 1, en route for Massachusetts ; where it arrived 
June 3, and immediately proceeded to Galloupe's Island, Boston Harbor, to 
await mustering out. On the arrival of the battery at the island, owing to 
some slight disturbance between some of the men and the provostrguard on 
duty at the island. Private E.. J. Isaacs was shot by the officer of the day, 
killing him instantly. The investigation of the case ruled that tlie officer 
was in the performance of his duty, and could not be guilty of murder. After 
two years and ten months' service, the battery was mustered out, June 6, by 
Capt. A. R. Kroutinger, U.S.A. ; but the men were not finally disbanded 
and paid off until June 9, at which date they left the island. 

THE TENTH LIGHT BATTERY 

Was recruited at Camp Stanton, Lynnficld, and left the State for 
Washington Oct. 2, 1862. Its officers were, — 

Captain ...... J. Henry Sleeper. 

First Lieutenant .... Henry H. Granger. 

" " . . . . . Joshua W. Adams. 

Second " . . , . . Asa Smith. 

" " . . . . . Thomas 11. Armitase. 

For several weeks, the battery occupied Camp Barry, B.C. ; but, 



524 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

ill the latter part of December, it was sent to guard the fords of 
the Upper Potomac at Poolesville, Md. 

The winter was spent at Camp Davis, so called in honor of the 
colonel of the Thirty-ninth Massachusetts. This was exchanged in 
the spring for Camp Heintzelman, two miles from Poolesville. The 
*centre section of the battery, commanded by Lieiit. Smith, was 
ordered, May 9, to Edward's Ford. A little excitement was pro- 
duced in camp, June 10, by the appearance of Mosby's gueril- 
las ; but, when the battery was placed in position, the game was 
gone. 

From the 24th to the 30th of June, it was at Maryland 
Heights. 

At Frederic, it joined the Army of the Potomac on the return- 
march, after the battle of Gettysburg ; remaining near Warrenton, 
Va., on picket-duty, until Sept. 15. It joined the army in its 
retrograde movement, and, holding as before the advance, had the 
first engagement with the rebel cavalry, about twelve hundred 
strong, near Auburn. Wheeling into position, and opening with 
canister and shells," it soon routed the enemy. 

The following order tells the story of their valor in that en- 
gagement : — 

Headquarters, First Division, Third Corps, 
Fairfax Station, Va., Oct. 18, 1863. 
GrENERAL OrDERS, No. 93. 

Especial credit is due the first brigade, Col. Collis, and to the Tenth Mas- 
sachusetts Battery, Capt. Sleeper, for their gallantry in repulsing the enemy's 
attack on the head of the column at Auburn, and to Col. Collis for his skill 
and promptitude in making the dispositions ordered. 

By command of 

MAJOR-GEN. BIRNEY. 

On the 19th, the battery again had the advance. It reached 
Warrenton on the 30th, where it remained until the 7tli of 
November, when it was again ordered to take the advance in 
crossing the Rappahannock. 

At Kelly's Ford it was engaged three hours, expending nearly 
five hundred rounds of ammunition, in sheUing the town of Kel- 
lysville ; silencing a rebel battery that was brought to bear upon 
the troops, and keeping in check a brigade of rebel infantry. 

It crossed the river that night, marched to Brandy Station next 
day, and went into camp until the 2(3th ; when, with the army, it 
crossed the Rapidan, and marched upon Mine Run. On the morn- 
ing of the 30th, it opened upon the enemy's works, and continued 
it for about an hour. 



TENTH BATTERY IN BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS. 525 

On the 1st of December, it recrossed the Rapidan, and again 
went into camp at Brandy Station, Dec. 3. 

May 3, 1864, the battery crossed the Rapidan ; and, during the 
battles in the Wilderness, its position was on the left of the army. 
On the 6th, it fought the enemy's cavalry sharply and decisively. 
It was engaged in most of the important battles of the Army of 
the Potomac from this time to the close of the year; and whether 
in the forts, on the line, or in the open field, it did its work well. 
After the reconnoissance towards Hatcher's Run, the battery 
encamped at Patrick's Station, then the terminus of Gen. Grant's 
railroad. 

On the 5th of February, 1865, it moved with the second division 
of the Second Corps into a position three miles distant, to protect 
the left and front of the division. That night, the enemy attempted 
to turn the right flank ; but, after an hour or more of hard fight- 
ing, was obliged to withdraw. Gen. Smythe spoke in high terms 
of this engagement, and added, that the second division must 
have been defeated but for the Tenth Battery. The chief of ar- 
tillery of the Second Corps, and Major-General Humphrey, also 
expressed their praise. 

On the 6th, the Tenth engaged a rebel battery, and compelled 
it to draw out of its position. On the 11th, it moved to Battery 
E, built expressly for it, and, for the fourth time, commenced the 
preparation of winter-quarters. Here the battery remained until 
the 29tli of March, when Capt. Adams, commanding the Tenth, 
and Battery B, First Rhode-Island Light Artillery, reported to 
Gen. Hayes, commanding second division, Second Corps. 

April 2, Capt. Adams's command was assigned a position on 
the Boydton Plank-road, towards Hatcher's Run. 

Of its action on this day, Capt. Adams reports, — 

At about eight o'clock on the morning of April 2, firing commenced all 
alone our line from right to left ; and in a short time the news came that 
the enemy's lines had been broken, the enemy routed, and Richmond 
and Petersburg in our possession. The Tenth Battery was the first to 
march down the Boydton Plank-road, and cross the bridge at Hatcher's 
Run. The march was continued to within one mile of Petersburg ; when the 
order came to rear-face and follow the enemy, who was then retreating up the 
South-side Railroad. We continued to follow them, marching day and night, 
and engaging them every time we came within range, until Lee's surrender to 
Gi-en. Grant at Appomattox Court House on the morning of April 9. From 
March 29 to April 9, forty horses were killed by over-work. 

I will mention that the Tenth Battery had the honor of firing the last gun at 



526 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the enemy that was fired in the Second Corps, and, with one exception, the 
last that was fired in the Army of the Potomac. 

After the surrender, we remained in camp at Clover Hill till the morning 
of April- 11 ; when we started on our return-march to Burkesville Station, 
passing through New Store, Farmsville, and High Bridge, arriving at the 
station on the afternoon of the lith. 

On the 2d of May, the battery set out for Washington, vid Rich- 
mond and Fredericksburg, reaching its destination on the 13th ; 
and, on the 23d, participated in the grand review of the Army of 
the Potomac. 

The captain concludes his report by saying, — 

On the 31st, turned in the battery to the proper department, and, on the 
3d of June, started with the men for Boston, where we arrived on the evening 
of June 5, and, by order, proceeded to Galloupe's Island, where we remained 
until the 14th, when we were paid off and discharged, having been mustered 
out of the service June 9, 1865. 

Having been with the Tenth Massachusetts Battery since its formation in 
August, 1862, and being the only officer to return with the battery of the 
five who went out with it, I feel justly proud in making this my final report ; 
and I cannot close without saying a word in praise of the officers and men 
composing the battery, with whom I have been so long associated. Of the 
officers, they were gentlemen, prompt and efficient : of the men, none 
could be better ; having always found them ready and willing under all cir- 
cumstances. 

THE ELEVENTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Eleventh Light Battery was recruited by Capt. Jones at 
Camp Meigs. Its nucleus was the Eleventh (nine-months') 
Battery. Its officers were, — 



Captain 

First Lieutenant 



Second 



Edward J. Jones. 
Edward P. Morrill. 
George W. Booth. 
Harry D. Littlefield. 
William Woodsum. 
George W. Sanborn. 



It left the State Feb. 5, 1864, and reported at Washington, 
D.C. April 9, it became a part of the Army of the Potomac; 
passed through Washington with the Ninth Corps on the 25th, 
and joined Gen. Meade hi the Wilderness, May 6. It shared in 
all the marches and actions of the corps. 



ELEVENTH BATTERY AT HATCHER'S RUN. 527 

While crossing the North Anna, it was temporarily assigned to 
the Second, and, Aug. 18, to the Fifth Corps ; and was in action 
on the left of the line with the First Massachusetts Cavalry, 
charging the enemy on the extreme left, and defeating his attempt 
to recover the Weldon Railroad. Capt. Jones writes, — 

In all the actions in whicli we have been engaged, my command have ex- 
hibited the usual excellent character for bravery, and devotion to duty, which 
specially belong to Massachusetts troops. 

I am happy to report that no man has deserted, neither has any one of my 
command ever been tried by courtrmartial ; and to-day concludes the first year 
of our term of service. 

The battery was under fire continuously from June 17, 1864, 
to March 24, 1865 ; changing position occasionally during this 
time along the line of the extreme left, near Hatcher's Run, to 
the Appomattox River, and participating in the several engage- 
ments and reconnoissances during the siege. 

We quote again from Capt. Jones's report : — 

The Eleventh Massachusetts Light Battery were the first troops to meet 
and check the enemy, after they passed through Stedman ; Gens. Park, 
Tidball, and Wilcox, specially complimenting this battery for their prompt, 
spirited, and efiective service ; and, without adding further particulars, I make 
the following extract from the report of Gen. Tidball : — 

" Capt. Jones, of the Eleventh Massachusetts Battery, occupying Fort 
Friend with six three-inch rifle-pieces, promptly manned his guns upon the 
first alarm, and, about half an hour afterwards, was enabled, by the dawning 
of day, to distinguish a body of the enemy moving from Fort Stedman towards 
Fort Haskell. He immediately opened fire upon them. At the same time, he 
discovered a line of skirmishers advancing towards the hill upon which his 
post is situated ; and, as the line of skirmishers arrived at the ravine in front of 
the fort, he discharged canister into them, which had the effect of checking 
their advance until the regiment of Pennsylvania troops, encamped near the 
fort, formed, advanced, and drove back the line. From this eomraanding 
position, Capt. Jones continued to direct a most destructive fire into and 
around Fort Stedman upon any body of the enemy which made its ap- 
pearance. ... As far as I could see and have learned, the artillery upon 
the whole line was most skilfully and judiciously managed by the respec- 
tive officers in charge of it. This was particularly so in regard to Capt. 
Jones's Eleventh Massachusetts, from Fort Friend ; Capt. and Brevet Major 
Nerner, Third New-Jersey Battery, from Fort Haskell ; and First Lieut, 
and Brevet Capt. Stone, Fifth United-States Artillery, from Battery No. 9." 

This desperate demonstration of the enemy was followed by a succession 



528 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

of feeble attacks along the line until the evacuation of Petersburg on the 3cl of 
April ; this command being constantly harnessed, and otherwise in readiness 
to meet any emergency : and, when the pursuit was made after the flying 
foe, this battery was complimented by being the first of three batteries selected 
by Gen. Tidball to march with the Ninth Corps ; and, upon the final surrender 
of the rebel army at Appomattox Court House, my command was detailed as 
a part of the force to draw off the captured artillery from the field of sur- 
render. 

Upon the return of the army to Washington, the light artillery 
of the Army of the Potomac were ordered to their respective 
States, and the Eleventh was mustered out at Readville on the 
16th of June. 



TWELFTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Twelfth Light Battery was recruited at Readville, and left 
Boston Jan. 3, 1863, under the following officers : — 

Captain ...... Jacob Miller. 

First Lieutenant ..... Joseph R. Salla. 

Edward M. Chamberlin. 
Second " . . . . . Charles W. Weeber. 

Edward E. Souther. 

Philip N. Hammond. 

Wrote an officer, — 

The battery was quartered at the Apollo Stables for three weeks ; then 
ordered to Baton Rouge, where we received six field-pieces, and took charge 
of the fortifications. We returned to New Orleans March 28, camped on 
Metaire Race-course, and were mounted and equipped as cavalry the 8th of 
April. We turned over the horses, left for Brashear, on the Atehafalaya 
River, April 17, and took charge of the defence of transports moving up 
with men and supplies. We returned to New Orleans May 23, quartered at 
Bernard's Stables, and were there fully equipped as a light battery. Two 
gun detachments on steamer " Union " were moving round to Port Hudson 
before our order was received to return to the city- 
June 3, Lieut. Chamberlin, with eighty-four men, commanded 
at Fort Banks. This detachment, and two others from Port Hud- 
son, proceeded to New Orleans, and were again ordered to Port 
Hudson, Oct. 15. 

On the 7th of November, Lieut. Chamberlin accompanied a 
foraging expedition to Tunica, where a sharp skirmish with the 
enemy took place. 



TWELFTH BATTERY IN LOUISIANA. ■ 529 

With respect to fifty-one deserters from this battery, an officer 
states that six only belonged to Massachusetts ; the others to the 
British Provinces, foreign countries, and other States. 

This company was recruited when bounties were high, and the 
procuring of recruits was chiefly in the hands of irresponsible men 
called brokers. Comment is unnecessary. 

Of the movements of this battery in 1864, the same officer 
writes, — 

On the 16th of March, one gun and gun detachment went on board the 
steamer '• Cornie" on an expedition to Red River, and returned on the 18th. 
On the 2Gth, one gun and a gun detachment went on board the steamer " Ida 
May" to protect the boat on an expedition laying telegraph up to Red River, 
and returned on the 6th April. 

On the 26th of April, one gun and gun detachment went on board the 
steamer ' • Cornie : ' ' proceeded down the river to repair telegraph, and returned 
to camp on the second day of May. 

On the 6th of May, the enemy came within a mile and a half of the fort, 
and set fire to a saw-mill. The battery went out in order to support one 
regiment of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, the whole under command 
of Col. Fundy : drove the enemy back about eight miles in great confusion, 
killing eight, and wounding forty-live. It returned to camp same day. On 
the 29th, the battery was ordered out to check the advance of the enemy, 
reported to be moving in force on the Jackson Road towards this place. 
It remained out all night, lying in ambush ; but no enemy was seen. Return- 
ing to camp next day, on the 15th of June, twenty-five men of the battery 
were mounted and equipped as cavalry for patrol and scouting duty, keeping 
the country for twelve miles around clear of guerillas up to the latter eud of 
October. On the 18th of June, the battery went out about two miles on the 
Baton-Rouge Road, and took a position in order to support one regiment of 
infantry and a regiment of cavalry (commanded by Col. Fundy) ordered 
out on account of the enemy having fired .several shells on a seouting-party. 
It remained there until dark ; and, the enemy not appearing, the battery was 
ordered back to camp the same night. On the sixteenth day of June, the bat- 
tery fired a salute for Major-Gen. Sherman, and was inspected same day by 
him. Compliments were received from the general for the good drill and 
military appearance of the battery. 

On the 24th of August, it went on an expedition towards Clinton, twenty- 
five miles from this post. 

On the 19th of November, Capt. Miller, with forty men, mounted and 
equipped as cavalry, left camp with despatches for Gen. Lee, who was at 
Liberty on a cavalry raid ; and returned to camp next day, capturing two 
rebels, and wounding one on his return. 

Of the year 1865, the Adjutant-General reports, — 

67 



530 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

I have been unable to get a full report of the services of this battery for the 
year 1865. It served in the Department of the Gulf, and took part in most 
of the millitary operations there, and performed well its arduous duties. 



THIRTEENTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Thirteenth Liglit Battery was recruited at Readville, and 
left the State on the 20th of January, 1863, in the ship " De Witt 
Clinton" for New Orleans. Its officers were, — 

Captain Philip H. Tyler. 

Charles H. J. Hamlin. 



First Lieutenant , 
Second " 



Timothy W. Terry. 
Ellis L. Motte. 
Robert C. Nichols. 
Charles B. Slack. 



The Adjutant-General received no reports from this battery for 
the year; but letters were addressed to him from officers, in 
which they complained of the poor provision made for the trans- 
portation of the horses. 

Capt. Hamlin has given a narrative of the battery for 1864 : — 

A detachment under command of Lieut. Terry, which had been at Fort 
Banks, eight miles above New Orleans, joined the battery June 4 : and the 
next day the entire force sailed in the " Anglo-American " up the IMississippi 
River ; on the 6th, reaching Springfield Landing, ten miles below Port Hud- 
son, then besieged by Gen. Banks. Thence it marched in dust and heat 
twelve miles to headquarters, and reported to Gen. Arnold, chief of artillery. 
By his order, the battery was divided into two detachments on the 7th : one- 
half, under Capt. Hamlin, taking charge of four siege-mortars on the left 
of the Union intrenchments ; and the other part at the extreme right of the 
line, with the same number of mortars. This position was occupied until the 
surrender of Port Hudson. Capt. Hamlin was ordered by Gen. Banks, 
Aug. 27, to go to Boston with a detail of troops to obtain and forward such 
drafted men as might be assigned to batteries in his department. In this 
service, and in recruiting for his own battery, he was absent ten months. 
Meanwhile, Aug. 31, the Thirteenth reported to Capt. Nims, of tlie Second 
Battery, and, in September, went with the latter on an expedition to Bisland, 
via Algiers, Brashear City, and Berwick City. From Bisland, the troops 
advanced beyond Franklin, capturing a piece of artillery. 

On the 14th of October, at Carrion Crow, a skirmish took place, followed 
next day by an artillery duel, in which the battery was engaged. On the 
24th, the troops returned to Opelousas, and encamped until Nov. 1. From 



THIRTEENTH BATTERY AT RED RIVER. 



531 



this time until the return of spring, the battery was at Vermilion Bayou, 
New Iberia, and Franklin. 

In February, 1864, the arrival of recruits for Nims's battery relieved the 
Thirteenth from duty in that organization, when it joined the Sixth Massa- 
chusetts ; the latter leaving Franklin on furlough. 

March 6, the Thirteenth reported to Lieut. Taylor, commanding Battery 
L, United-States Artillery. Subsequently it took part in the Red-river 
Expedition. It was at Pleasant Hill and Sabine-cross Roads, where the 
Thirteenth Army Corps suffered a reverse. 

April 11, it reached Grand Encore, and, a week later, Alexandria, having 
had an engagement at Cane River. It reached New Orleans, via Semmes- 
port and Morganza, June 29. 

From the 31st of August to the close of the year 1864, the battery was en- 
camped at Camp Parapet, La. During the months of September and Octo- 
ber, sickness prevailed to an alarming extent in the camp. Up to this time, 
the battery did good service in the Department of the Gulf. 



FOURTEENTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Fourteenth Light Battery was organized at Readville, and 
mustered mto the service of the United States Feb. 24, 1864. 
Its roster of officers was, — 



Captain . 
First Lieutenant 



Second 



Joseph W. B. Wright. 
Samuel J. Bradlee. 
Samuel Chapin. 
Albert George. 
John Lawson. 
Ephraim B. Nye. 
Matthias J. Moore. 



It left the State the 4th of April following ; arriving at Wash- 
ington, D.C., on the 22d. Without a single day of artillery 
drill, the battery crossed Long Bridge, and joined the first divis- 
ion of the Ninth Army Corps. It moved into the Wilderness, 
and opened its first fire across the Spy River, on the 10th of May. 

Beyond this stream the battery had a severe engagement, and 
received a charge from the enemy, who was repulsed. It was in 
action again on the 16th and on the 24th at North Anna, where 
it was engaged until the 27th, when, with a regiment of infantry, 
it joined the rear-guard of the army. The Fourteenth was now 
reduced by the loss of men and horses to four guns. June 1, 
about sunset, it had an engagement with the enemy at Tolopot- 



532 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE EEBELLION. 

omy, and gallantly repulsed him, receiving the highest commen- 
dation from the division and brigade commanders. On the 2d and 
3d, it was engaged at Bethesda Church. It was under fire at Cold 
Harbor on the 4th, and continued so until the 12th, when it ad- 
vanced towards the James River. On the 16th, it arrived in front 
of Petersburg, and next day opened fire on the enemy's batteries 
with effect, changing positions frequently, and receiving for ser- 
vices rendered a favorable mention in the report of that day's 
action. In numerous actions during the siege of Petersburg, it 
established a reputation for discipline, and accuracy of fire, rarely 
equalled. Besides the personal engagements alluded to, the bat- 
tery was at Prince George Court House, Norfolk Railroad, and 
Ream's Station. Oct. 1, it was assigned' for duty to the Second 
Army Corps, and one section sent to Fort Bross, near the Norfolk 
Railroad, the others to Battery 37 ; and, on the 25th, the Four- 
teenth went into the outer defences of City Point, occupying Fort 
Merriam, with commodious winter-quarters in the rear. In Janu- 
ary, 1865, the battery reported to the Artillery Brigade, Sixth Army 
Corps, at Warren Station, Weldon Railroad. While here, it was 
ordered to join the Artillery Brigade of the Ninth Corps ; the 
right section in Battery 10, an angle of Fort Stedman, and the 
left in Battery 14. Its history for the remainder of its term of 
service is summed up by one of its officers thus : — 

On the 25th of March, about four, a.m., the enemy made an attack on our 
line, and succeeded in carrying Battery 10 and Fort Stedman. Tlje assault 
was so sudden and unexpected, — no alarm being given by the pickets in 
front, — that but one round was fired from each gun. The firing of guns 
revealed the positions of them to the enemy, — ah-eady inside the battery, — 
who immediately seized the cannoneers, and threw them over the works into 
the ditch. In the darkness and confusion, six of the cannoneers, one of 
them wounded, managed to make their escape to camp. About eight, a.m., 
the line being retaken from the enemy, the guns of this section in Battery 
10 were remanned : they had been turned and used by the enemy. One 
gun was disabled by the vent-field having blown out at the first discharge 
in the morning. Lieut. E. B. Nye, in command of the section at the time of 
capture, was killed at the guns, and was found rifled of sabre and per- 
sonal efiects. One cannoneer, badly wounded, was left by the enemy in the 
works; and eleven were captured and carried ofl", two of them wounded. 
On the night of March 29, in anticipation of another attack, a heavy fire 
was kept up by both sections on the enemy's line. The distance from Battery 
10 to their line was so short, that canister was used for the projectile. Dur- 
ing the action of April 1, both sections of the battery were actively engaged. 
On the 2d of April, the right section opened fire on the enemy's line, under 



FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH LIGHT BATTERIES. 533 

direction of Major Miller, inspector of artillery, Ninth Army Corps, to pre- 
vent their moving troops from our right to left; and also supported a charge 
by the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry. The left section in Battery 14 
was in a position which enabled them to rake the enemy's columns in their 
attempt to retake Fort Mahone, and materially assisted in repelling several 
most desperate charges. Shells were also thrown by this section into Peters- 
burg. The enemy having evacuated Petersburg during the night of April 2, 
the battery withdrew from its positions in the lines on the morning of the 3d, 
and, on the 4th, marched to camp of artillery reserve at City Point. 

May 3, the battery broke camp at City Point, and marched, via Richmond, 
Fredericksburg, and Fairfox Court House, to camp near Fairfax Seminary. 
Remained in camp here from May 13 to June 4; when, under orders to 
report to Readville, Mass., the battery marched to Washington, and took 
transportation by railroad, arriving at Readville June 6. The battery was 
mustered out of service June 15, and paid June 24. 



FIFTEENTH LIGHT BATTEEY. 

The Fifteenth Light Battery was recruited at Lowell and at 
Fort Warren, and was mustered into service Feb. 17, 1863. Its 
officers were, — 



Captain 

First Lieutenant 



Second 



Timothy Pearson. , 
James W. Kirk. 
Albert Rowse. 
Lorin L. Dame. 
Harry D. Littlefield. 
Edward D. Morrill. 



It left the State the 9th of March, in the ship " Zouave," for the 
Department of the Gulf, and went into barracks in the suburbs of 
New Orleans April 9. Before leaving the State, and subsequently, 
nearly one-half of the troops deserted ; but they were not Massa- 
chusetts men. They were chiefly adventurers, brought here by 
brokers, who received their bounties, and deserted. The battery 
was ordered first to Brashear City, and, in four weeks, back again ; 
then garrisoned two small forts in the vicinity of New Orleans ; 
and Dec. 29, leaving all quartermaster's stores, ordnance, prop- 
erty, &c., behind, it marched to Lakeport, on Lake Pontchartrain, 
and Jan 2, 1864, embarked on the "Kate Dale," in the expedition 
to Madisonvillo, under command of Col. William Kimball, of the 
Twelfth Maine Regiment. 

The battery was again in New Orleans on the 20th of February. 
From the 5th of March until the 17th of October, it remained at 



534 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Terrell's Press. It then sailed for the mouth of White River, 
Ark. ; and thence to Duvall's Bluff, nearly two hundred miles 
farther, Nov. 7. Three weeks later, it sailed for Memphis, 
Tenn. Lieut. Rowse was in command from Jan. 1 until the mid- 
dle of February, when Capt. Pearson took his place. Meanwhile 
the battery sailed for Barrancas, Pla., and reported to Major-Gen. 
Andrews. 

April 2, it was with the division under Gen. Steele in front of 
Blakely, Ala., taking an active and gallant part in 'the siege and 
capture of that port. On the 20th, it went on an expedition to 
Selma ; and, on the 11th of May, arrived in Mobile, where its guns 
and horses were turned over to the proper department. On the 
20th of July, the company left Fort Gaines for Massachusetts, and 
was mustered out Aug. 4. 

Great praise was awarded by Brevet Major-Gen. C. C. Andrews 
to this battery for its good discipline and bravery. 



SIXTEENTH LIGHT BATTERY. 

The Sixteenth Light Battery was organized at Readville during 
tlie month of March, and was mustered to its maximum strength 
April 4, 1865. 

Its officers were, — 



Captain 

First Lieutenant 



Second 



Henry D. Scott. 
William H. Follet. 
Lewis V. Osgood. 
Philip T. Woodfin, jun. 
James MeCullum. 
Auo-ustine Sanderson. 



On the 19th, it proceeded to Washington, B.C., and was as- 
signed to the Twenty-second Army Corps. It went into Camp 
Barry, where it received a complement of guns, and was supplied 
with horses. About the middle of May, it removed to Fort Thay- 
er, northern defences of Washington, occupying successively Fort 
Lyon, Fort Wool, and Fort Reno. During the rebel raid of July 
into Maryland, the battery was in Foi't Kearney. It then returned, 
July 12, to Camp Barry ; and, on the 2d of August, was at Fort 
Stevens. 

Sept. 5, it was ordered to Albany, N.Y. ; returning to Wash- 
ington Nov. 19. It afterwards marched to Fairfax Court House, 



SIXTEENTH LIGHT BATTERY. 535 

Va., and reported to Col. Gamble, commanding first separate 
brigade. Here it remained on picket-duty until the spring of 
18G5, when it made a march to Loudon Valley with the Eighth 
Illinois Cavalry. During the month of March, orders were re- 
ceived to proceed to Massachusetts, preparatory to muster-out 
of service, the war being virtually at an end. 

On the 18th of June, marched to Washington, and turned in 
guns, horses, and equipments. On the 19th, took the cars for New 
York, where the company arrived on the night of the 20th, and 
was well provided for by Col. Frank E. Howe, of the New-Eng- 
land Rooms. On the 22d, it arrived at Readvillc, where it was 
mustered out of the service of the United States, and paid off and 
discharged July 13, 1865. The service was brief, but all that 
men could achieve in the circumstances attending it. They never 
dishonored the flag of the nation or the commonwealth. 



MASSACHUSETTS' EXPENSES IN THE WAR, AND CHARACTEE OF THE 

TROOPS. 

The total expenditure incurred by Massachusetts on account 
of the war amounts to twenty-seven million seven hundred 
and five thousand one hundred and nine dollars. This sum in- 
cludes only such expenses as have accrued under the direction 
and supervision of the several State Departments, as authorized 
by legislative enactments. As far as ascertained, the expenses 
incurred by cities and towns for bounties and other military pur- 
poses amount to nearly an equal sum. Of the total expen- 
diture incurred by the Commonwealth, there have been advanced 
for the payment of bounties, in accordance with the provisions of 
chapters 91 and 254 of the Acts of 1863, ten million dollars ; for 
the pay of soldiers who elected to receive a bounty of fifty dollars 
down, and twenty dollars per month extra while in the service 
of the United States, 82,943,201. 

We regret the want of space for quotations from several letters, 
written by general officers of the Union Army at the request 
of Gov. Andrew, concerning the character of Massachusetts 
troops. The testimony of Gen. Phelps in regard to the men led 
by Cols. Wardrop, Barnes, Dudley, Jones, and Manning, is a fair 
example of the whole. 

It would revive both pleasant and sad memories of the war, 
could we introduce the journal, of Col. Schouler's visits to the 
camps of the troops, for whose welfare he faithfully labored ; 



536 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

but we must refer the soldier and his friends to the reports of the 
Adjutant-General. 

In regard to Massachusetts soldiers in the hospitals, it is the 
testimony of surgeons and nurses, that, wherever confined by sick- 
ness or wounds, they were conspicuous in certain particulars. 

First, They were generally men of marked intelligence. An 
unusually large proportion of them had a liberal education, rep- 
resenting every profession and calling in life : they appreciated fully 
the struggle, and were prepared to meet it. While this knowledge 
of men and things characterized Northern soldiers to an extent 
never known in a vast army before, it was especially noticeable 
among New-England volunteers, and those who originated there, 
but entered the army from the West. 

In the second place;, Massachusetts soldiers cheerfully bore their 
sufferings, and rapidly recovered from wounds when the injuries 
were not of a fatal kind. With habits of industry and sobriety, 
and inured to a severe climate, they could not only bear toil, but 
the physical system soon rallied from the effects of wounds and 
disease. 

There was another peculiarity. The men were ready for the 
field again as soon as able to get to it. None surpassed, if any 
equalled them, in this prompt return to duty, and readiness to 
resume their places in the ranks, even before physicians coun- 
selled their desertion of the hospital. 

The effect of the war upon the morals of the troops who would 
survive it was a question which awakened the deepest anxiety, 
during the progress of the conflict, in the hearts of all the friends 
of the Republic and its defenders. War is and must be demor- 
alizing in its tendency. The appeal to arms is itself an unnatural 
and cruel arbitrament, whose every means of success is hard- 
ening to the sensibilities, and quickening to the lower passions. 
In addition to this, the warriors are removed from all the soften- 
ing influences of the fireside, and the means of grace connected 
with the temples of God to which they have been accustomed weekly 
to resort. War is waste of men, money, and moral restraints. 
There were, however, extraordinary features of this contest. The 
struggle for great first principles of right, liberty, and justice, 
was clearly defined, and intelligently appreciated by the loyal 
legions ; and we may here repeat the assertion, tliat no embattled 
host, since the trump of war was first sounded, has been followed 
with such a volume of prayer, and influences so manifold and 
powerful for good. 



CHARACTER OF THE TROOPS. 537 

To test the result in this Commonwealth, the Adjutant-General, 
in December last, sent to the mayor of each city, and the select- 
men of each town, a circular asking for information respecting 
the morals and general conduct of the returned soldiers. More 
than three hundred answers were received, besides communica- 
tions from the sheriffs of several counties, all giving a favorable 
report. 

The letter of P. Ball, Esq., Mayor of Worcester, in the very 
heart of the Commonwealth, is very discriminating and satis- 
factory. 

It adds to this cheering view, on the whole, of the result of the 
disbandment so suddenly of our vast army, to recollect that a 
large number of men entered upon a decidedly religious life in 
the field and hospital, and returned home to do good in the highest 
form of activity ; while a softening, chastening, and saving influ- 
ence has gone over the land from the shadow of affliction resting 
on almost every home and heart. 

68 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

A RESUME OF MILITARY OPERATIONS. 

Additional Historical Facts. — The Work at the State House. — Departure of Troops. 

— The Action of the Commonwealth embarrassed by that of the General Govem- 
meut. — Response of the Volunteer MUitia to the Call of Mav, 1862. — Quotas. — The 
Draft. — Recruits from Abroad. — Massachusetts had a Sui-plus of Troops in 1864. 

— The Riot. — The Volunteers at Home and in the Field. — Mob suppressed July, 
186.3. — Draft and Quotas. — The Governor upon the Material Support of the Union, 
and imported Volunteers. — Massachusetts Men In other States. — Notes from the Ad- 
jutant-Generars Narrative of Visits to the Camps. — Oar Soldiers in the Hospitals. 

A RESUME of the military operations of the State, in addition 
to the brief annals of the early military action of the Com- 
monwealth and of the regiments, will present a connected view 
of martial movements during the four eventful years of conflict. 

The excited people of city and country would have been 
cheered in their work of sacrifice for the endangered Republic, 
in the early period of the war, could they have looked into the 
State Capitol, and have seen the Governor, Adjutant-General, and 
their assistants, day after day, taking their simple lunch in one of 
the apartments at the hour of dinner, because they had no time for 
the usual meals ; and have witnessed often the same unceasing 
devotion to the common cause till the " noon of night." 

"We doubt whether, in any other State of the Union, such ex- 
hausting labor by the Executive and all the officers under him was 
given to the country as might have been witnessed in the rooms 
of the State House of Massachusetts. 

The only embarrassment in mustering the forces of the State 
was imposed by the General Government, in withholding permis- 
sion from the State authorities to increase the number of accepted 
volunteers. The illusion slowly faded from the minds of the Presi- 
dent and cabinet, that a large force would not be required to sup- 
press the Rebellion. 

The latter part of May, the Secretary of War advised the Gov- 
ernor that " it was important to reduce rather than enlarge the 
number of regiments ; and, if more were already called for, to 
reduce the number by discharge ; " for the Administration was 
getting more men than were wanted. 

53S 



rOL UXTEEEIXG DISCONTINUED. 



539 



Several thgusaud troops had volunteered whom the Government 
would not receive. It therefore became necessary to establish 
camps under the encampment law of the State, and commence 
the painful work, to those who discerned the signs of the tunes, of 
disbandment. Said the Governor, — 

It should not be forgotten, that, at this time, sis Massachusetts companies, 
organized in Xewburyport, West Cambridge, Milford, Lawrence, Boston, and 
Cambridgeport, finding no places in our volunteer setA-ice, received permission 
to join the 3Iozart Regiment and Sickles Brigade, both belonging to the State 
of New York ; that thi-ee hundred more Massachusetts men were enlisted in 
the Union Coast-Guard Regiment, at Fortress Monroe, under command of 
Col. Wardrop ; and that others were also enhsted by persons from other 
States, who maintained recruiting stadons in our towns and cities until they 
were prohibited by law from thus withdrawing the people of 3Iassaehusetts 
into the organizations of those States. There were estimated by the Adjutant- 
General of this Common jvealth more than three thousand Massachusetts men 
who thus went to swell the apparent contribution of other communities, while 
lessening the abUity of this State to meet any subsequent draft upon her mdi- 
tary population. 

When, in February, 1862, the Executive requested leave to re- 
cruit four companies, and, with six more acting as garrison in Fort 
Warren, form a regiment for any emergency which might demand 
its services, the offer was promptly declined. 

Another company of sharpshooters, on the 2(3th of that month, 
was also offered : and, after a silence of nearly three weeks, the 
reply came that it could not be accepted. 

Nothing will present more strikingly the delusion that reigned 
in the high places of power in regard to the nature of the 
conflict than the subjoined order of the War Department, 
April 3, 18(32 : — 

The recruiting seiwice for volunteers will be discontinued in every State 
from this date. The officers detached on volunteer recruiting service will join 
their regiments without delay, taking with them the parties and recraits at 
their respective stations. The superintendents of volunteer recruiting seiwic-e 
will disband then- parties, and close then- offices, after having taken the neces- 
sary steps to carry out these orders. 

Some exception was obtained by the Governor to this order sev- 
eral days afterwards, authorizing enlistments to repair losses sus- 
tained in the battles of Roanoke and Newbern by Massachusetts 
regiments : and again, still later, in favor of the Second Regi- 
ment. 



540 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The nation's vanguard of three-months' men that rescued the 
capital and Fortress Monroe from the imminent peril was fol- 
lowed by the successive marches of the three-years' and the nine- 
months' regiments, until, by Oct. 8, 1861, the whole number of regi- 
ments in and on the way to the field of battle was twenty-two ; 
averaging a little more than three for every month. There were 
in addition to these, during the same period, a battalion of rifle- 
men and a battery of light artillery in the three-months' service, 
and three batteries of light artillery and two companies of sharp- 
shooters for the longer term. The following eight montlis gave 
ten more regiments and eight companies to the Army of the 
Republic. 

July 2, 1862, in compliance with the earnest desire of the gov- 
ernors of the loyal States, the President issued a call for three 
hundred thousand more volunteers, to serve three years, or during 
the war. 

Up to this date, tlie State had furnished twenty-seven regiments 
and thirteen unattached companies ; making thirty-one thousand 
three hundred and ninety-seven troops before the cessation of 
recruiting in the preceding April. 

Massachusetts' new quota was fifteen thousand troops. Pro- 
ceeding on the basis of the assessors' returns of the men liable to 
do military duty, the number was as accurately as possible dis- 
tributed among the towns of the State. 

The regiments, both to be completed and raised entirely, were 
six, running from the Thirty-second to the Thirty-seventh inclu- 
sive, and for which four thousand seven hundred troops were 
required. The remaining ten thousand tln-ee hundred were 
needed to supply the waste in regiments then in the field. 

Records the Adjutant-General, — 

To further aid recruiting, and accommodate the western part of the State, a 
camp was established at Pittsiield the last of July, and was designated 
Camp Briggs, in honor of Col. (now Brig. -Gen.) Briggs, a native of Berk- 
shire and a citizen of Pittsfield, who had behaved with great gallantry while 
in command of the Tenth Regiment in the battles on the Peninsula and 
between the Chickahominy and James Rivers, in one of which he was severely 
wounded. 

As evidence showing the rapidity with which the fifteen thousand men were 
raised, it may be stated, that from the time (July 7) the order was issued, to 
the 8th of September (two months) , upwards of four thousand men had been 
recruited for the old regiments, and sent forward : four companies to complete 
the Thirty-second Regiment, and nine new regiments, had been formed and 



THE DRAFT m 3fASSACHUSETTS. 541 

organized ; and eight of the latter had left the State, and entered upon active 
duty. 

In addition to the troops required, two batteries (the Ninth and 
Tenth) were also recruited in Camp Stanton, commanded by Capt. 
De Yecchi and Capt. Sleeper, and were sent forward to Wash- 
ington in August and October, 

Aug. 4, the draft was ordered for the first time, to bring three 
hundred thousand nine-months' men into the field, of whom nine- 
teen thousand and eighty were to come from Massachusetts. This 
novel order of things was placed in the able hands of Major Wil- 
liam Rogers, Second Assistant Adjutant-General. 

In June, 1864, a convention of gentlemen from a large number 
of the cities and towns of Massachusetts was held in Boston to 
discuss the charges made against the State, of injustice in making 
up the quotas of men. It was said that estimates were wrong ; 
speculators in bounties allowed too much latitude, &c. After 
demonstrating that the rolls in his office were correct, the official 
head of the military department adds, — 

Few complaints were ever made that the rolls were incorrect, until lately ; 
and that since the inauguration of the system of offering large state and local 
bounties. These bounties warmed into life a certain class of men known as 
recruiting or substitute brokers, who agree to furnish men to fill the quotas of 
towns for a specified sum. I have not a high opinion of this class ; and I have 
no doubt that many of the selectmen and town-agents have been grossly 
swindled by them. Numerous cases have come to my knowledge where they 
have given certificates that they had furnished the men, and that the men had 
been mustered in, when the facts were not so ; and bounty-money has been 
paid to recruits and brokers, before any assurance could be given that the 
recruit would be accepted, and credited to the town. I have no doubt, that, 
in many cases, the recruit and the broker were fellow-partners in the swindle. 
Again : I have no doubt that gross wrong has been done by these brokers in 
this way; viz., men who go into new regiments can only be mustered in when 
the company is filled. This sometimes takes weeks and months. The broker's 
recruit goes to camp; and, before the muster is made, the broker sells the man 
again, and he turns up at last as a recruit for a certain ward in Boston, when 
he originally enlisted, it may be, for the quota of Edgartown. 

The record of the State in the history of the draft is an honor- 
able one. This method of raising troops "was, from the first, very 
distasteful to the people of Massachusetts; and they were disposed 
to make the most strenuous efforts to raise the requisite number 
by volunteering before the time for a draft should arrive." But 



542 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the imposssibility of giving exact information, when it was ordered, 
how many would be required of each town, in the absence of cer- 
tain data, created misapprehensions in many of the towns. 

Massachusetts nobly made up her full proportion, and more, of 
the calls that were made upon her citizens by the President of the 
United States, 

Adds Gen. Schouler, — 

It is much to be regretted, that, in some instances, the funds liberally and 
patriotically contributed by the towns have been bestowed upon unworthy 
adventurers from abroad, who came here with the deliberate purpose of secur- 
ing the bounty, and then deserting, to repeat the same operation in another 
State. 

Upon a charge not unfrequently preferred during the war, that 
the people of the Commonwealth had resorted to importations 
from abroad to meet demands made upon them for troops, it is 
only necessary to give the words of the Governor : — 

The whole number thus obtained during the year 1864 (of course not 
including previous and permanent residents of foreign birth who may have 
volunteered) is but nine hundred and seven out of the whole as;o;reo:ate of 
recruits. These are divided among four regiments, and include some of their 
best soldiers. 

I have deemed it important to the public welfare that the employment of 
persons capable of increasing the masculine industrial and military strength 
of the Commonwealth should be favored. To that end, whenever opportunity 
offered to obtain good recruits for the army fi'om among persons desiring to 
come hither to aid the defence and to enjoy the blessings of a free government, 
I have always accepted them. 

When the call was issued in 1864 for three hundred thousand 
men, Massachusetts had a surplus of several thousand, taking the 
quota of the State as a unit. The deficiency in particular Con- 
gressional districts grew out of the system pursued by the War 
Department, regarding each of these as a unit. 

The State " actually sent more men to the war than are now to 
be found in it liable to do military duty." 

Among the most memorable exhibitions of disloyalty at the 
North during the war was the disgraceful and sanguinary riot 
in New-York City early in July, 1863, extending its influence, 
apparently through a conspiracy between the lower classes, to 
Boston and some populous towns. The occasion seized by these 
lawless men was the draft. The animus of the outbreak was 
hatred to the Government and to the negro. 



THE RIOT IN COOPER STREET. 543 

The authorities of Boston learned on the 13th of July that the 
materials of a mob were in the streets, and would soon take form, 
prostrating before its Briarean arms the public peace and human 
life. Prompt measures were employed to disperse the rebels at 
home in sympathy with those in the battle-field. The suburban 
towns, and even New Bedford, nearly sixty miles distant, caught 
the alarm. 

Special orders were issued by the Adjutant-General of the State 
to the troops, who were placed under the efficient command of 
Brig.-Gen. Pierce. Companies known as drill-clubs and home- 
guards tendered their services. Major Gordon, U. S. A., com- 
mandant at Fort Independence, offered himself and his men for 
any military duty required ; as did also Capt. Whiton's company 
of heavy artillery, Massachusetts volunteers, in the same fortress. 
The latter was sent on guard to the United-States Arsenal at 
Watertown. Other officers in Boston offered themselves to the 
Government. The police co-operated with most commendable 
activity. Very forcibly wrote Col. Schouler, — 

The rioters assembled on the evening of the 14th in the neighborhood of 
the armory of the Eleventh Battery, in Cooper Street ; which was attacked 
with stones and other missiles. The military, under command of Major 
Stephen Cabot, First Battalion of Heavy Artillery, Massachusetts Volun- 
teers, kept inside in perfect quiet, but with their guns loaded, and ready for 
attack should an exigency arise. At length, an attempt was made by the 
mob to force an entrance to the building, and obtain possession of the guns. 
It was not prudent to delay ; and accordingly the word was given to fire. The 
effect was electrical. Several persons were killed, and more wounded ; how 
many, will probably never be known, as they were carried away by their 
friends, and afterwards kept hidden. This virtually crushed the mob, although 
riotous demonstrations were afterwards made in Dock Square and in other 
parts of the city ; but the presence and firm front of the military, and the 
courage and activity of the police, cowed the desperadoes. Several arrests 
were made of persons supposed to be ringleaders ; but no more powder and 
ball were fired. The one volley in Cooper Street did the work, and saved 
many lives from death, and much valuable property from destruction. No 
outbreak occurred in any of the other cities in the Commonwealth. The 
military, however, were held in readiness for several days in each of them, 
ready at a moment's notice to maintain the public peace. 

The Surgeon-General won the warmest commendation of the 
Government by his timely and judicious service in the organiza- 
tion of a medical staff for the impending conflict between des- 
perate citizens and the soldiery. 



544 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The total expense of the suppression of the riot was fourteen 
thousand four hundred and ninety-five dollars, of which two 
thousand and seventy-nine dollars and forty-four cents were paid 
by the city of New Bedford. There was something sublime in 
this quick and effectual conquest of a riotous populace, to whose 
lawlessness the Southern leaders looked with lively hope. 

The whole number of men furnished by Massachusetts, being 
a surplus of 13,492 over all calls, was, — 



Three-months' troops .... 


3,736 


Three-years' troops .... 


96,270 


One-year troops ..... 


4,728 


Nine-months' troops .... 


16,685 


One-hundred-clays' troops . . . , 


5,461 


Ninety-days' troops .... 


1,209 


Men in the navy up to September, 1865 . 


31,165 



Total . . . . . . 159,254 

From Massachusetts and her sister New-England States, when 
the war began, there were, of native-born population, 16,313 in 
Ohio, 9,873 in Micliigan, 3,443 in Indiana, 19,053 in Illinois, 
3,719 in Minnesota, 12,115 in Wisconsin, 6,214 in Iowa; and 
in " Kansas, where in 1855 she made haste to hoist the flag and 
practically assert the principles of Liberty, and where her sons 
have repeatedly sealed their testimony with their blood, 1,282 
natives of Massachusetts continued to guard the outposts of 
Freedom, always menaced and frequently assaulted by the foes 
of our common country and the supporters of slavery." 

The sons of Massachusetts were found in almost every Western 
regiment, and her heroic dead swell the list of every State of the 
mighty West. Turning the attention from men to money for the 
war, the Commonwealth will find no occasion to blush over her 
rank among the States. Thirty-third in area, and seventh in 
population and also in wealth, she stands second in her propor- 
tional contributions to the internal revenue of the General Gov- 
ernment. 

From Col. T. L. S. Laidley, United-States Armory, Springfield, 
we have the annexed summary of what this grand arsenal has 
done for the war : — 

From the 1st of July, 1860, to June 30, 1865, 805,636 muskets 
were assembled at this armory, in the following order ; viz. : — 



LAST GENERAL ORDER OF GOV. ANDREW. 545 

From July 1, 1860, to June 30, 1861, 13,802 muskets, 386 workmen. 

1, 1861, „ 30, 1862, 102,410 „ 1,474 

1, 1862, „ 30, 1863, 207,884 „ 2,499 „ 

1, 1863, „ 30, 1864, 276,200 „ 2,984 

1, 1864, „ 30, 1865, 195,340 „ 2,442 

There hare also been made at the armory during the war, parts 
for repah's, equivalent to about fifteen per cent of the whole 
number of complete arms as named above. 

The retiring Chief Magistrate of the State thus summed up 
the material support of the Union, Jan. 30, 1866 : — 

The proportional contribution of Massachusetts to the war will appear in 
a still stronger light when compared with the number enrolled in the militia 
of the State for the year 1865, which is 148,555 men. By this statement, 
without allowing for the number of re-enlistments, which it is impossible 
exactly to reckon, it appears that Massachusetts has sent 10,610 more men 
into the service than are now to be found in the State between the ages of 
eighteen and forty-five. The whole number of men called for from Mas- 
sachusetts, reduced to the three-years' standard, is 117,624. The whole 
number of men furnished for all arms of the service, and for all terms of 
service, was 159,165 ; reduced to the three-years' standard, 131,116. 
Deducting the total number called for, there is a surplus over all calls of 13,- 
492. The whole number of colored troops was 6,039; and of foreign 
recruits, 907. Of the foregoing total number of men furnished for active 
service, 26,329 were in the navy for different periods of service. 

Two thousand four hundred and eighteen of these were pro- 
cured by agents of the Commonwealth in rebel States, costing 
^100 each of the -$125 deposited for the purpose. 

The last General Order of Gov. Andrew deserves a place in 
these annals of the State : — 



COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

Headquarters, Boston, Dec. 26, 1865. 
General Orders, No. 22. 

On the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, Abraham Lincoln, President of the 
United States, issued his Executive Proclamation, declaring that " on the first 
day of January, one thousand eight hundred and vsixty-three, all persons held 
as slaves within any State, or any designated part of a State, the people whereof 
shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thencefor- 
ward, and forever free." 

On the first day of January, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty- 
69 



546 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

three, a Proclamation of Emancipation was made by the President, in and 
by the terms of which, " all persons held as slaves in the designated State, and 
parts of States, then in rebellion," were declared " free; " and the " Execu- 
tive Government of the United States," including the military and naval 
authorities thereof, were pledged to " recognize and maintain the freedom of 
said persons." 

On the first day of January, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty- 
five, by a joint resolution of both Houses of Congi-ess, there was submitted to 
the Legislatures of the several States, for then- adoption, " An Amendment to 
the Constitution of the United States," which provided that '" neither slavery 
nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime, whereof the party 
shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any 
place subject to their jurisdiction, and that Congress shall have jjower to 
enforce this article by appropriate legislation." 

On the eighteenth day of September, A.D. one thousand eight hundred 
and sixty-five, the Secretary of State of the United States certified and pro- 
claimed that the Amendment to the Constitution proposed, as aforesaid, had 
been duly ratified by three-fourths of the whole number of States, and had 
" become valid, to all intents and purposes, as part of the Constitution of the 
United States." 

In commemoration and honor of these transactions and events, so great and 
beneficent ; so laden with joy to the American slave, and hope to the oppressed 
of every land ; so honorable to this nation and people, conforming their 
national policy with Christian civiUzation ; so full of lofty cheer and of subUme 
and consoling aspirations ; so happy in associating the advent of the year with 
the advent of liberty, — 

It is ordered, — 

That national salutes be fired on Monday next (Jan. 1, 1866), being 
the anniversary of Emancipation Day, at twelve o'clock at noon, in all the 
following places; viz., on Boston Common, at Plymouth, on Dorchester 
Heights, on Bunker Hill, at Concord and Lexington, and at the North 
Bridge, Salem. 

The national flag wdl be suspended on all the public buildings and at all 
mihtary posts of the Commonwealth during the day. 

The First Company of Light Artillery, Capt. Cummings, and the Second 
Company of Light Artillery, Capt. Baxter, are charged with the execution of 
this order. They will report to these headquarters for further orders. 

By order of his Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor and Commander- 
in-chief. 

WILLIAM SCHOULER, 

Adjutant- General 

Alexander H. Bullock, the worthy successor of Gov. Andrew, 
was inaus;urated into office Jan 6, 1866. 



GOVEBNOE BULLOCK. 547 

Gov. Bullock is a native of Royalston, Mass. ; where he was born on ^^lar. 2, 
1816. Mr. Bullock pursued the study of law in the office of Hon. Emory 
AVashburn at Worcester, and at Harvard University ; and, in 1811, was 
admitted to the bar in Worcester, and began his practice that year. "\ATiile 
still a student at Cambridge, he was appointed senior aide to Gen. Davis, who 
was elected for the second term in 1840. 

He was chosen representative to the Legislature in 1815, and again in 
1817 and 1818. The session of 1847 will be remembered as that in which 
Mr. Gushing, before the members were fairly in their seats, offered a resolu- 
tion to pay twenty thousand dollars out of- the treasury to the thousand or 
more volunteers for the war with Mexico. 3Ir. Gushing pressed the measure 
with gi'eat vehemence, and secured a favorable report from the committee to 
whom the subject was referred. Col. Bullock, in behalf of a minority of the 
committee, opposed the resolve in a speech which tlie reports characterized as 
'* eloquent and masterly," turning the scales of opinion against that most 
adroit debater, and winning for himself an honorable reputation throughout 
the State. In 1849, he was chosen to the State Senate. 

He was appointed Judge of Insolvency for Worcester County, by Gov. 
Gardner, in 1856, but resigned the office in 1858. The year following, he 
was elected Mayor of Worcester. He returned to the Legislature in 1860, 
and the four subsequent years, with hardly the forms of opposition. Of 
the service he has rendered to the Commonwealth in that period, it is too fresh 
in the memory of all readers to require repetition. 

During the last year, Amherst College confeiTed upon him the degree of 
Doctor of Laws. His Eulogy upon Abraham Lincoln, his Centennial Ad- 
dress at Eoyabton, his Oration before the Massachusetts Charitable Mechan- 
ics' Association in Boston, his Anniversary Address at Dartmouth and 
Amherst, — all filled with evidences of extended reading, of careful culture, 
and of sincere thought, — showed that his mind moved in no narrow circle, 
and won for him not only the applause of friendly audiences, but the appre- 
ciation of though tfril and scholarly men. 

Ill his Inaugural Address, in vigorous and eloquent language, 
he alluded to the war-record of the State. We quote a few passages 
from this peaceful message : — 

I find, that, in the first educational year after the Rebellion broke out, there 
was in the State a decrease in the school-appropriations of sixty-eight thousand 
dollars. The next year, 1863-64, these appropriations rose to one hundred 
and one thousand dollars above the preceding ; the largest increase, with a 
single exception, which had ever been made. But in 1864-65, the last 
year of the war, the gain amounted to the sum of two hundred and forty- 
six thousand dollars, — more than double that of any previous year ; the 
amount expended on pubhc schools, exclusive of buildings and books, being 
one million nine hundred and forty thousand dollars. 



548 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

After urging an honorable and full compensation for the sol- 
dier, and provision for the widow and orphan, he says of the im- 
pressive celebration of Forefathers' Day, — an occasion which the 
throngs who participated in it will never cease to remember with 
pncle, — referring to the marching regiments and tlieir colors,"* — 

In storm and sunshine, in success and in repulse, tliey carried those banners 
through twelve hostile States. In the hour of utmost need, they, before all 
others, had planted them on the National Capitol, staining on the way, with the 
life-blood of some, the pavement- of a city in rebellion. They had carried them 
with Hooker to the summit of Lookout Mountain, and had fixed them, with 
Strong and Shaw, on the ramparts of Wagner. With Burnside, they had 
crossed the mountains of Tennessee, and had sheltered the hearthstone of 
Andrew Johnson. With Butler, they had forced the channel of the Missis- 
sippi, and proclaimed law and order in the City of the Crescent. In all the 
campaigns of the East, in Sherman's grand march, with Banks at Port 
Hudson, with Grant at Vicksburg, wherever and whenever there was hazard 
to be encountered or laurels to be won, they had carried the battle-flags 
OF JMassachusetts with unyielding devotion and national renown. 

It is worthy the dignity of the State to reverence these martial memories ; 
it is her interest to maintain these millitary lessons ; and it should be her grateful 
duty to transmit to the coming generations these mementoes of the great battle 
for Freedom. And since, in their present position, they will be liable to wear 
and waste from the exposure, or to be injured by thoughtless hands, I have 
the honor to recommend that a generous appropriation be made for their 
preservation beneath the dome of the State House, in such a manner as shall 
insure their safety, while they shall always be accessible to the pubhc inspec- 
tion. 

He closes with words to which the citizens of the State will 
respond : — 

In this communication, I have thought it proper to- confine myself within 
those subjects which belong to our domestic administration. Another field 
lies beyond, broad as the Republic, laden with painful anxieties, but blossom- 
ing with transcendent hopes. It has been moistened all the way from the Capi- 
tol (within whose walls, first arriving, one of her regiments was quartered in 
the darkest hour), to the farthest lines of the whole expanse, with the blood of 
the sons of Massachusetts ; and she may be forgiven for asking, in the day 
of victory to which she contributed, that the fruits shall be equal to the sacri- 
fice. 

Congress must be held to perform its part. In war, it was inevitable that 
the Executive overshadowed Congress ; in peace, it is necessary that Congress 
should resume the exercise of its prerogatives under the Constitution. I, for 

* See Appendix. 



GOVERNOR BULLOCK. 549 

one, am willing to intrust to the senators and representatives of Massachu- 
setts in that body the interests and the convictions of this ancient of States. 

Senators and Representatives, — 

I come to my ofBce, as you approach yours, at a time when the excitement 
of arms has given way to the re-actions of peace. The statesman and magis- 
trate who retires to-day from the Executive Office, aided by the Legislature 
through five years of wai'-administration, has given to the State a lasting glory 
of annals. For you and for me, I trust lighter duties may be our lot. But 
we will not mistake such relief for inaction or indifference ; and, trusting the 
Grod of our fathers for his blessing, we will enter upon the responsibilities 
which have been assigned to us. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE NAVAL SERVICE OF THE STATE. 

The Growth of the Navy. — Massachusetts Jleti in this Department. — Assistant Secretary 
Gustavus V. Fox. — Admiral Charles Heury Davis, Chief of Bureau of Navigation. 
— Adrah-al Josepli Smith, Chief of Bureau of Yards and Docks. — Commander Albert 
N. Smith, Ciiief of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting. — Other Officers. — The 
Number of Men furnished for the Navy, during the War, by the Commonwealth. — 
Heroic Men and Deeds. 

PERHAPS no single item indicates more strikingly the growth 
of the Ainerican navy since the commencement of the civil 
war than the increase in the sizes of " The Annual Register," 
from a pam])hlet of forty-six pages in 1861 to a volume of three 
hundred and thirty-five pages in 1865. 

The prominence of Massachusetts in this arm of the service is 
intimated by the organization of the Navy Department. Here 
we find the names of Gustavus V. Fox, Assistant Secretary, salary, 
84,000 ; Admiral Joseph Smith, Chief of Bureau of Yards and 
Docks, salary, 84,000 ; Admiral Charles Henry Davis, Chief of 
Bureau of Navigation, salary, $4,000 ; Albert N. Smith, son of 
the admiral. Chief of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting, 
salary, $3,500 ; William P. S. Sanger, Chief Engineer of the Bureau 
of Docks and Yards, salary, 83,000 : to which might be added the 
names of several Massachusetts men as clerks, and other subordi- 
nate officers in the various bureaus. 

We exceedingly regret that we have no complete records of the 
heroes of naval history. 

GUSTAVUS V. FOX. 

We begin the incomplete annals appropriately with the name of 
Gustavus Y. Fox, Assistant Secretary in the Navy Department 
at Washington, — an officer who has no superior in the compara- 
tively quiet work of this branch of national achievement during 
the war. 

He was born at Saugus, June 13, 1821. His father removed to 
Lowell in 1823, where Gustavus acquired in the schools a good 
education. 

550 



GUSTAVUS V. FOX. 551 

June, 18oS, he entered the navy. He was successively mid- 
shipman, passed midshipman, and, in 1852, lieutenant. Reliable 
and energetic, he passed safely through the temptations of almost 
every foreign port, prepared to take any position of usefulness at 
home. 

Upon his resignation in 1855, he acccepted the agency of the 
Bay-State Mills, Lowell. 

The earliest work for the country, after the secession movements 
at the South, was the originating and the prosecution of a plan 
for the relief of the garrison of Fort Sumter, January, 1861, a few 
weeks after Col. Hinks of Massachusetts offered Major Anderson 
his aid. We give the project in his own words, as he explained 
it to his friend, George W. Blunt : — 

From the outer edge of the Charleston Bar, in a straight line to Sumter, 
through the Swash Channel, the distance is four miles, with no shoal spots 
having less than nine feet at high water. The batteries on Morris and Sullivan's 
Islands are about twenty-six hundred yards apart ; and, between these, troops 
9nd supplies must pass. I proposed to anchor three small men-of-war off 
the entrance to the Swash Channel as a safe base of operations against any 
uaval attack from the enemy ; the soldiers and provisions to be carried to the 
Charleston Bar in the Collins steamer " Baltic ; " all the provisions and mu- 
nitions to be put up in portable packages easily handled by one man ; the 
"Baltic" to carry three hundred extra sailors, and a sufficient number of 
armed launches, and to land all the troops at Fort Sumter in one night. 
Three steam-tugs of not more than six-feet draft of water, such as are employed 
for towing-purposes, were to form part of the expedition, to be used for carrying 
in the troops and provisions in case the weather should be too rough for boats. 

With the exception of the men-of-war and tugs, the whole expedition was 
to be complete on board the steamer " Baltic ; " and its success depended upon 
the possibility of running past batteries at night, which were distant from the 
centre of the channel thirteen hundred yards. I depended upon the barbette- 
guns of Sumter to keep the channel between Morris and Sullivan Islands 
clear of rebel vessels at the line of entering. 

Gen. Scott encouraged and sustained Mr. Fox in his unself- 
ish, patriotic effort to relieve the beleaguered men of Sumter ; 
Secretary Holt seconded the enterprise ; and President Buchanan, 
" palsied with terror," said yes one day, and no the next. When 
Mr. Lincoln succeeded him, the scheme was again urged upon the 
attention of the Government. The President was convinced of 
its feasibleness ; and the plan of Mr. Fox was ordered to a practi- 
cal test. But a failure in important details, for which Mr. Fox 
was not in the least responsible, defeated the design of the expe- 



552 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

dition when near its consummation. Mr. Lincoln said of it, not- 
withstanding the result, that the endeavor to carry supplies to 
Major Anderson and his band of heroes " greatly strengthened 
the cause of the country." Mr. Fox was appointed Assistant 
Secretary May 9, 1861. 

With him originated the New-Orleans Expedition. He pro- 
posed it to Gen.McClellan, who replied that it required a hun- 
dred thousand men. 

Mr. Fox asked for ten thousand, and they were promised ; but 
so little interest did Gen. McClellan feel in the expedition, that, 
when the vessels were ready, Gen. Butler found the troops 
which had been gathering at Ship Island were ordered to Texas. 
He conferred with Mr. Fox and with Secretary Stanton, who had 
iust entered upon his duties. Gen. McClellan was called into 
the council ; and the result was, the troops were furnished, New 
Orleans captured, and the national cause suddenly brought into 
the cheering light of victory amid the rejoicings of the people. 

It was Mr. Lincoln's habit to visit the room of Mr. Fox, and 
defer to his judgment in naval affairs, while he was also a warm 
personal friend. 

It was a striking remark of Mr. Seward in his Auburn speech 
toward the close of the war, when alluding to the Secretary of the 
Navy, " We have two Secretaries of the Navy ; " expressing his 
estimate of the capacity and services of Mr. Fox. 

Capt. Fox will cross the ocean in the monitor " Miantonomah," 
now awaiting him at Halifax, to personally see the Emperor of 
Russia with the resolutions of Congress, congratulating bim on 
his escape from assassination. Capt. Fox will also examine and 
report upon the condition of the principal navies of Europe. 

Modest, gentlemanly, and honorable, Massachusetts can point 
proudly to her representative man in the Navy Department, — 
Gustavus V. Fox. 

REAE-ADMIRAL DAVIS. 

The following is but a brief sketch of Rear-Admiral Davis's 
patriotic and useful career, — a gentleman whose purity of char- 
acter has honored his origin and his State : — 

Charles Henry Davis was born in Boston, Jan. 16, 1807. His father 
was the late Hon. Daniel Davis, for forty-two years Solicitor-General of Mas- 
sachusetts. He received his early education at the Latin School, and entered 
Harvard, but remained there less than two years. 



REAR-ADMIRAL DAVIS. 553 

On the l'2th of August, 1823, he was appointed an acting midshipman in 
the United-States navy, and, in the following October, received orders to 
join the frigate " United States." 

In 1829, he joined "The Ontario," and sailed for the Mediterranean in 
■the squadron of Commodore. Biddle. While on this cruise, he commenced 
the study of the Spanish and French languages. 

He next went to the Pacific in "The Vincennes," the flag-ship of Com- 
modore Wadsworth, where he was employed as interpreter between Commo- 
dore Wadsworth and the authorities of the State of Ecuador. 

In 1837, he sailed for St. Petersburg in the frigate "Independence," 
carrying Mr. Dallas, the American minister to the imperial court of Russia. 

He was appointed to the United-States Coast Survey from 1842 to 1849. 
During this service, he commenced investigations into the laws of engineering 
in tidal harbors. The harbors of Portland, Boston, and New York, have 
been particularly benefited by these investigations. 

In July, 1849, Lieut. Davis was assigned to the duty of superintending 
the preparation of "The American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac," 
which, after many formidable obstacles, he triumphantly organized, and su- 
perintended for seven years. During that time, he prepared a translation of 
Gauss's " Theoria Motus," as well as treatises on " Mechanical Quadratures," 
"The Computation of Planetary Orbits," and other mathematical tracts. 

In 1856, he joined the sloop-of-war " St. Mary's," of which he had re- 
ceived the command, at Panama ; and, during this cruise, received the capitu- 
lation of Gen. Walker, while besieged by the allied armies of Central 
America. In 1859, he again resumed the superintendence of " The Nautical 
Almanac." 

In May, 1861, Commander Davis was ordered to Washington on duty 
connected with the efficiency and discipline of the naval service, and was 
appointed member of two boards. By one of the boards, several combined 
naval and military expeditions against Southern ports were organized. 

Commander Davis was appointed captain of the fleet of one of these, 
which consisted of eighteen men-of-war and thirty-eight transports. This 
expedition sailed on the 29th of October, 1861 ; and, on the 7th of Novem- 
ber, Forts Walker and Beauregard were captured. Commander Davis ren- 
dered such valuable assistance in every detail of the expedition, that, a few 
days after the battle, he was commissioned captain. 

During the following winter, Capt. Davis commanded an expedition which 
deposited stone-ladened ships, as obstructions, across the mouth of Charleston 
Harbor. In February, 1802, he commanded a squadron of five gunboats, 
and dispersed the rebel fleet of Commodore Tatnall. He afterwards accom- 
panied Admiral Dupont on an expedition against Fort Clinton and Fernan- 
dina, Fla., which resulted in success. 

In March, 1862, he was detached from the South-x\tlantic Blockading 
Squadron ; and in April was ordered to relieve Flag-officer Foot, and assume 
the command of the Mississippi flotilla. On the 10th of May, he gained 
70 



554 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the victory off Fort Pillow. On the 6th of June, he captured the city of 
Memphis. On the 17th, a portion of his fleet captured Fort St. Charles, in 
White River. In July, he took part in the first attack on Vicksburg. He 
afterwards co-operated with Gen. Curtis in several expeditions against the 
enemy; and a portion of his command, under Capt. Phelps, destroyed the' 
Fort off Haines's Bluff". 

In July of the same year, Admiral Davis was confirmed by the Senate as 
Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, in which office he remained until 1865. 

On 7th of February, 1863, Commodore Davis was commissioned rear- 
adrairnl in the United-States navy. 

In May, 1865, he was appointed Superintendent of the National Obser- 
vatory. 

He is a member of the Light-house Board, Chairman of the Permanent 
Commission of the Navy Department, Chairman of a Joint Commission of 
Officers of the Army and Navy on Harbor Obstructions, one of the United- 
States Commissioners of Boston Harbor, a fellow of the American Academy 
of Arts and Sciences, a member of the American Philosophical Society and 
of the National Academy of Sciences. 

ACTING MASTER JAMES FOLGER. 

Few men in the war have left a nobler record than the la- 
mented Polger, of Nantucket. Returning from a long voyage 
soon after the civil war commenced, he immediately offered his ser- 
vices to the country, and went on board the United-States bark 
" Roebuck," off Charleston. While on shore at St. Andrew's, he was 
surprised by a company of cavalry in ambush, and fatally wounded, 
dying on board his ship soon afterwards. He was a' brave and 
Christian man, whose death was deeply deplored by his comrades. 

THE HEROES ON BOARD " THE CUMBERLAND." 

On that dark and fearful day to the navy of the Union and 
to the country, March 8, 1862, when "The Merrimack" made 
pastime of destruction to our war-ships at Newport News, the 
valor of Massachusetts men was conspicuous. The action on the 
part of the Union fleet was opened by a Massachusetts officer, — 
Capt. John Marston, of " The Roanoke." 

Of the principal officers attached to the frigate " Cumberland " 
at the time of the engagement with " The Merrimack," at least 
three were from Massachusetts. Capt. Radford, who commanded, 
was, during the action, on shore on a court-martial. George U. 
Morris, ex-officer, was in full command during the engagement. 

Lieut. Morris was a son of this Commonwealth, and, with his 
heroic crew, fought the rebel monster with the most desperate 



LIEUT. SMITH AND OTHERS. 555 

bravery. When all prospect of victory was gone, the vow passed 
from lip to lip never to surrender. When the cry arose, " The 
ship is sinking! " not a man left his gun: no heart wished the 
white flag to go up in place of the stars and stripes. While the 
good ship settled iu the waves, Acting Master William P. Randall 
of New Bedford, with Acting Master Kennison, stood by his pivot- 
gun, knee-deep in water, and fii-od the last shot before she went 
down. Lieut. T. 0. Selfridge, also of Massachusetts, was a most 
gallant officer. 

LIEUTS. J. B. SMITH AND C. H. SWASEY. 

Lieut. Joseph B. Smith, the son of Admiral Smith, command- 
manding officer on " The Congress," was killed in the heroic dis- 
charge of his duty. 

In the engagement of " The Sciota" below Donaldsonville with 
a rebel force, Oct. 4, 1862, Lieut. Charles H. Swasey displayed 
all those qualities of intelligent, Christian loyalty which have been 
to a remarkable degree an element of power in the late civil war. 
The simple record of his commander, in a report to Admiral 
Farragut, is a bright and touching memorial of the youthful 
hero : — 

I regret to report that Lieut. Charles H. Swasey, executive officer of this 
vessel, was mortally wounded while gallantly performing his duty ; having just 
pointed and fired the nine-inch gun. A twelve-pounder rifle-shot entered 
the bulwark, striking him on the hi]), and inflicting a terrible and mortal 
wound, of which he expired at three, p.m. 

This officer was characterized by all the elements which make up the hero, 
— brave, imbued with patriotic ardor and professional ambition, chivalric as 
a gentleman, gentle, and with a heart full of Christian principles. His last 
words were, " Tell my mother I tried to be a good man." I respectfully 
request that his death, so heroic and noble, may be especially made known to 
the nation through the Navy Department. 

ENGINEER E. HOYT, MASTER B. W. LORING, AND OTHERS. 

Engineer E. Hoyt of "The Richmond," during the memorable 
passage of the batteries of Port Hudson, on the night of March 
14, 1863, won special notice for his self-forgetful devotion to the 
success of the daring enterprise. He flew from one post of peril 
to another, " uutil, having penetrated the steam several times to 
ascertain the extent of injury, he was finally led away completely 
exhausted and fainting." In the capture of " The Alabama," also 
known as " The Fingal," in Warsaw Sound, June 17, 1863, Acting 



656 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Master B. W. Loring, of "The Weehawken," distinguished him- 
self for his coolness, and skill in serving the guns, as he had done 
before under the walls of Fort Darling. Acting Master C. C. 
Kingsbury, of the powder and shell divisions, was equally con- 
spicuous in the fight ; his department having " more the aspect 
of ordinary exercise than of battle. No one would have sus- 
pected that the men were in action " from their appearance in the 
fiery contest. Here Lieut.-Commander T. 0. Selfridge com- 
manded the naval battery on the right wing of Gen. Sherman's 
corps, and gained the admiration of officers and men for his 
splendid conduct in the severe engagement. Acting Midshipman 
Henry L. Blake, son of the commander, who was in the flag-ship 
" Hartford," received the warmest commendation of Admiral Far- 
ragut for the bravery of a veteran displayed by this young 
officer. 

In the attack of Fort Sumter, April 7, 1863, Commander John 
Dennis of " The Nahant," and Quartermaster Edward Cobb, who 
were wounded, the latter fatally. Ensign M. L. Johnson, aide to 
Admiral Dupont in "The Wabash," and others from Massachusetts, 
behaved with the greatest coolness and courage. Capt. John A. 
Winslow of " The Kearsarge," whose guns sunk " The Alabama " 
June 19, 1864, was a citizen of this State, although born in North 
Carolina. It was just and fitting that the piratical craft which 
had preyed upon the whaling-fleets of Massachusetts should be 
sent, by a vessel under tlie intelligent command of one of her gal- 
lant officers, to the bottom of the ocean it had disgraced. 

At the terrible bombardment of Fort Fisher, the middle of 
January, 1865, among the Massachusetts men who were distin- 
guished for bravery was Lieut. F. F. Baury, nephew of George 
Bancroft, one of the storming-party from " The Colorado." He was 
severely wounded during the assault. Ensign F. A. O'Connor 
was struck down by the side of his commander. Assistant Surgeon 
William Longshaw, jun., who " was always near the front with in- 
struments and tourniquets, was bending over a wounded and dying 
man, when he was shot in the head, and instantly killed." Act- 
ing Master W. H. Males, Lieuts. Smith and Nichols of " The Sen- 
eca," and ActingEnsign George T. Davis of "The Wabash," also re- 
ceived special notice for the highest gallantry, in the report of Lieut. 
■Commander Parker of " The Minnesota." Lieut. M. L. Johnson, in 
the midst of a heavy fire fron the enemy, with a boat's crew of 
volunteers, " carried a hawser from his ship to the new ' Ironsides,' 
in order to enable the ship to bring all the guns to bear from the 



THE NA VY IN THE REBELLION: 557 

port battery ; and was for more than half an hour a target in the 
forts, of which they availed themselves, but fortunately without 
success." 

July 4, 1864, an Act of Congress was approved, allowing men 
in the naval service during the war to be credited to the quotas 
of any town or state to which they belonged. Three days later, 
a communication was sent from the War Department in Wash- 
ington to Gov. Andrew, appointing liim and Bx-Gov. Clifford 
a commission to give Massachusetts the benefit of the just and 
timely law. To ascertain the number of eidisted men in the 
navy, it was necessary to copy the rolls on board of the receiving- 
ship " Ohio," at the Charlestowu Navy Yard ; which contained, it 
was found, 22,360 names. A circular was sent to the selectmen 
of each town, asking for a statement of all persons there, who had 
entered the naval service, not already credited, nor enrolled prior 
to Feb. 24, 1864. Prompt responses were made. The direct 
credits given to cities and towns, reduced to three-years' men, 
were 9,020i. The number credited to tlie State at large, and 
distributed, pro rata, to the credits of the cities and towns, reduced 
to three-years' men, were 7,605^. 

The naval service is apart from the people at home : the re- 
turn of its heroic men is unaccompanied by marching columns 
and popular demonstrations, excepting the occasional honors paid 
to a great victor. There is but little sympathy between tlie brave 
warriors of the sea and the citizens of a commonwealth : conse- 
quently, the indispensable and gallant services they have rendered 
to the country are but scantily appreciated. They do not go 
and come in time of war under newly given or torn and black- 
ened banners, amid the tearful adieus or welcomes of friends and 
citizens. On this very account, the history of tlie soldiers of 
the sea is fragmentary, and no connected narrative can be 
written as of regiments and companies, in which the bravery 
of nearly every man will appear. The men of the navy feel this 
isolation from the communities on the land, and are driven to 
seek associations in port, often destructive, urged forward in a 
reckless career by the broken lines of interest in the people. 

In connection with the naval service, it will be both proper and 
interesting to have a brief account of the " Stone Fleet," which 
was almost wholly a Massachusetts affair. The War Department 
having decided to close, if possible, the well-known clianncls in 
the harbors of Charleston and Savannah, to stop, for a time at 
least,. the blockade-running, resolved to make the experiment of 



558 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

sinking in those waters ships heavily laden with stones. The 
novel enterprise was intrusted to Mr. Richard H. Chapell of New 
London, Conn., who was assisted by Messrs. I. H. Bartlett & Sons 
of New Bedford, Mass., and Mr. Vernon H. Brown of Boston. 
The vessels employed were principally old whalers, sold by citizens 
of Massachusetts, manned by her hardy tars, and sent on their 
hostile errand by men accustomed to the harpoon and lance. 
Twenty-five vessels were ordered at first ; but, before sailing, 
twenty more were added. For weeks, granite bowlders, great and 
small and in fragments, were carted to the wharves where the 
whalers lay, and piled beneath their decks. The arrangement 
for sinking them consisted of a hole six inches in diameter under 
the stern of each vessel, within six inches of the water, into which 
lead pipe was introduced, and made water-tight. A plug was so 
attached, that it might be readily withdrawn. With thirty days' 
provisions, the fleet of twenty-five vessels — sixteen of them from 
New Bedford — sailed under the command of Rodney French, 
Esq., ex-mayor of that city, Nov. 20,1861. The sight was novel 
and beautiful as the unarmed armada moved down tlie bay, 
attracting many spectators to the shores. When the vessels 
reached their destination, after taking off sails and rigging, they 
were anchored, the plugs knocked out, and in fifteen minutes the 
venerable travellers to distant seas went to the bottom, and the 
waters closed over their naked masts. The crews made good their 
escape to a vessel which accompanied the fleet. The object in 
view by the Government in this expedition was temporarily se- 
cured ; and its importance as a punishment to the rebels was 
indicated by the indignant declaration of their English allies, 
that it was an exhibition of vandalism. The effect in the end, 
however, was rather of a moral than a physical character. The 
enemy was alarmed, and the jealousy of France and England 
called forth in expressions of sympathy for the injured South. 



CHAPTER XXXIY. 

GENERAL OFFICERS FURNISHED BY MASSACHUSETTS, WHO 
SURVIVED THE WAR. 

Officers in the Regular Armj' and Volunteer Forces. — Brief Notices of Sheridan, Hooker, 
Butler, Banks, Saxton, and Gordon. — Gen. Grant's Visit to Boston. 

IN addition to the sketches of general officers from Massachu- 
setts which have been given in the regimental histories, we 
can scarcely more than glance at the career of some of the more 
conspicuous actors in the great tragedy of national redemption 
which has just closed. We begin with those in the regular 
army. 

MAJOR-GBN. p. H. SHERIDAN. 

Major-Gen. P. H. Sheridan was born in Massachusetts. His 
father removed to Perry County, 0., while he was very young, 
where, some historians will have it, he first saw the light. His 
name is entered in all the army registers as from this Common- 
wealth ; but he was appointed to the Military Academy at West 
Point from Ohio. The grandest achievement of " Cavalry Sheri- 
dan " was the victory won by him in the hour of apparently hope- 
less defeat by Early at Winchester, — a martial achievement 
which has no parallel in the annals of war. With no re-enforce- 
ments but his return to the field of disaster, he brought order from 
chaos, and inspired his men with enthusiasm, which swept, like 
chaff before the whirlwind, the exultant rebel legions from the 
field of their triumph, 

E. W. TOWNSEND AND S. BRECK. 

Assistant Adjutant-Gen. Edward W. Town send has really been 
the chief officer of the department during the war. The duties 
of Gen. Townsend have been almost constantly in the South-west, 
superintending the enlistment of colored regiments, and the busi- 
ness growing out of the new order of things which followed the 
work of emancipation. 

559 



560 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Gen. Townseiid's able assistant, Col. Samuel Breck, is also a 
Massachusetts man. 

MAJOR-GEN. JOSEPH HOOKER. 

Major-Gen. Joseph Hooker's birthplace was the ancient and 
beautiful town of Hadley. He entered the United-States Mili- 
tary Academy at West Point in 1833, at the age of fourteen ; and 
graduated in 1837. Entering the regular army, he served in the 
Mexican war, where, for his bravery, he received the brevet ranks 
of major and lieutenant-colonel. In 1853, resigning his commis- 
sion, he settled on a farm in California. May 17, 1861, he was 
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, and joined the Potomac 
Army, winning in the Peninsular battles the title of " Fighting Joe 
Hooker." He was made major-general July 4, 1862 ; and was 
seriously wounded in the foot at Antietam. In September of that 
year, he was created brigadier-general in the regular army. 

The command of the Army of the Potomac, and his many gal- 
lant deeds, among which is the crowning military achievement of 
his life in the storming of Lookout Mountain, on whose top he 
fought " above the clouds," are known to his admiring country- 
men. 

MAJOR-GEN. B. P. BUTLER. 

Major-Gen. Benjamin F. Butler's life and services have been 
so fully and enthusiastically written by Mr. Parton, that no 
sketch of the hero of New Orleans after its surrender to the Union 
army, excepting the notices already interwoven with the narra- 
tives in this volume, is necessary. 

He was born Nov. 5, 1818, in Deerficld, N.H., of Irish descent. 
He graduated at Waterville College, Me., and became a resident 
of Lowell, Mass. His prominence as a lawyer and a politician is 
familiar to the people. 

He was the first brigadier-general of volunteers appointed in 
this, or, we believe, in any other loyal State, after the civil 
war began. An " old-line Democrat," he was inclined to let the 
" negro question " alone when he entered the field ; but personal 
observation of the slave system, and a deep insight into the nature 
of the conflict, soon cleared his vision, and stirred his heart. The 
earliest indication of right views was the origin of the word " con- 
traband," applied by him to the bondmen that came under our 
flag. 



MAJOR-GENERALS BUTLER AND MILES. 561 

Two military successes under his command will have a place, in 
the annals of the war, among great and decisive, achievements. 
The first was his prompt and fearless action in Mar}dand at the 
opening of the war, which saved that State to the Union : the 
other was the command of Xcw Orleans after the war-sliips of 
Farragut brought down its secession flag. Of the latter the 
rebels complained, and cursed tlie " beast." " Copperheads " at 
the North and their English sympatliizcrs re-echoed the com- 
plaint and the curse. 

Time passed on, and the loyal people at home, and even ene- 
mies abroad, approved his administration. He may have erred in 
principle and practice ; but he ruled his province well. The 
management of the rebellious city, awing its angry citizens by 
a bold front of authority when he was comparatively weak in 
martial force, and wringing from their reluctant grasp abused 
power, will ever give Gen. Butler a high place in the popular 
estimate of executive ability and successful treatment of the 
rebels. He was created major-general. We shall not discuss 
his military knowledge and skill in the management of large 
bodies of troops, but leave this question to calmer times and 
future history. 

That he possesses genius, and, rising above party predilections, 
did a work for the country, in her darkest hours, that few men in 
the nation could have performed, no fair-minded person will deny. 
In this view alone, he is entitled to and will receive the honor 
rendered to the greatest heroes of the greatest civil contest the 
world has known. 

MAJOR-GEN. NELSON A. MILES. 

Of this gallant officer, a member of his military family 
writes, — 

Gen. Miles was born in Waebusettville, Worcester County, Mass., Aug. 8, 
1839 ; and is, therefore, twenty-six years of age. He received a fair education, 
and at the age of seventeen entered a store in Boston, where he remained 
until the breaking-out of the war. His patriotism was above the considera- 
tions of home, and induced him to accept the position of first lieutenant in 
Senator Wilson's regiment, — the Twenty-second Massachusetts Volunteers ; 
which left Boston on the 1st of October, 1861, and joined the Army of the 
Potomac near Washington. He remained with his regiment but a short time, 
being first detailed on the staff of Gen. Casey ; and was afterwards assigned to 
the staft" of Brig.-Gen. 0. 0. Howard, then commanding the first brigade, 
71 



562 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

first division, Second Army Corps ; and served in tliat position until the 
army moved in March, 1862. He was with the brigade when the army ad- 
vanced to Manassas and Rappahannock Station, and was at the siege of Yoi'k- 
town and the battle of Williamsburg. 

At the battle of Fair Oaks, he was favorably mentioned in the official re- 
ports of Gen. Howard for meritorious conduct. 

At one time, when the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Regiment was without a 
field-officer, and was faUing back, he rallied them under a heavy fire, and, 
turning upon the enemy, regained the lost ground, and forced them to retreat, 
leaving their dead and wounded upon the field. In this engagement he was 
wounded in the foot, and his horse shot under him. He mounted another 
horse, and remained on the field until the battle was over. He declined the 
opportunity of going North, and continued on duty, suffering much from his 
wound. 

In the official report of the battle, he was mentioned by his commanding 
general for distinguished gallantry. He acted a conspicuous part in the 
battle of Charles-city Cross-roads. He led the Eighty-first Pennsylvania 
Volunteers in the charge across an open field, which closed the battle at half- 
past nine, p.m. For this he was highly complimented by Gen. Kearney, 
and mentioned in that general's report for gallant acts. At Malvern Hill he 
again rendered distinguished service during the day, and, at the close of the 
battle, brought a force of artillery which poured showers of grape and canister 
into the enemy's ranks with great execution, and fired the last gun on that 
eventful day. From the battle of Fair Oaks he acted as adjutant-general, 
first brigade, first division. Second Corps, until the army reached Harri- 
son's Landing, during the seven-days' battle before Richmond. About this 
time, Gov. Andrew of Massachusetts requested Gen. Sumner to recommend a 
few meritorious officers of his command for field-officers in new regiments then 
beinw formed in that State. Gen. Sumner recommended Lieut. Miles for the 
colonelcy of a regiment ; but, before the recommendation was acted upon, he 
accepted the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Sixty-first New- York Volunteers. 

Sept. 30, 1862, after the battle of Antietam, he was created 
colonel of the regiment. At the close of the terrible struggle at 
Fredericksburg, he was recommended for the position of In-igadier- 
general. 

During the campaign of the fall of 1863, he was in command of 
the first brigade. In the battles of the Wilderness, he sustained 
his character for heroic command ; and after the battle at Ream's 
Station, in which his division, it was said, saved the corps, he 
was recommended by Gens. Grant, Meade, and Hancock, for 
brevet major-general. Through all the bloody conflicts of the 
Potomac Army, Gen. Miles displayed the qualities of a veteran 
commander ; not only fearless in danger, but skilful in the man- 



MAJOTl-GEN. BANKS. 563 

ageracnt of his divi:^ion. He was carried from the field of Chancel- 
lorsville, it was supposed fatally wounded, but rallied, and hastened 
back to his command. 

Gen. Miles returned with the array to Washington ; and, when it broke up, 
he was assigned to the command of the military district of Fortress Monroe 
(including fifteen counties of Eastern Virginia), — the largest fort in the 
United States, and where the chief of the Southern Confederacy is confined. 
For his efficiency in action, his skill in the arrangement and management of 
his troops in the last campaign, he was made major-general. 

It is due Gen. Miles to say, iu connection with the above, that he is the 
youngest major-general in the army ; and, though he may not claim the years 
of many who have been raised to the same rank, Massachusetts has not a man 
whose record will exceed his in the history of the war of the Rebellion. 

MAJOR-GEN. N. P. BANKS. 

Major-Gen. Nathaniel Prentiss Banks was born in Waltham, 
Jan. 30, 1816. His boyhood was passed in the usual routine of 
rural life, the common school, errands and play, until old enough 
to enter the cotton factory with which his father was connected. 
Later he became a skilful machinist. 

During the period of his youth, dramatic entertainments were 
resorted to in the village homes ; and so marked was his genius 
for the stage, that friends thought it worthy of encouragement. 
But his attention was turned to more practical literary pursuits. 

He delivered lectures, addressed political assemblies, and edited 
the newspaper of his native town. Elected to the House of Rep- 
resentatives of the Commonwealth in 1849, he was entered on the 
roll of members as machinist. 

He entered the legal profession, but gave it little attention, be- 
cause the demands of the political arena which he had chosen 
enlisted his energies. 

In 1851, Mr. Banks was Speaker in the House of Representa- 
tives of the State ; and, in 1852, was elected to Congress. The 
succeeding year, he was President of the Convention to revise the 
Constitution of tiie Commonwealth. He was chosen Speaker of 
the Thirty-fourth Congress. 

As Speaker of the House, he held the first rank. An accom- 
plished debater, and familiar with parliamentary rules, he con- 
trolled the stormy elements, in the hours of greatest excitement, 
with calmness, wisdom, and decision. His fame suffers no eclipse 
in the comparison with the presiding officer of any deliberative 
assembly in the annals of the nation. 



564 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

He was elected Governor of the State in 185-4, and served three 
terms. 

May 11, 1861, he was appointed major-general of volunteers, 
commanding in the Department of Annapolis ; and, later, in that 
of the Shenandoah. He was unsuccessful in some of his military 
operations, but never through habits of dissipation or a reckless 
ambition. The clear and impartial verdict of history is yet to be 
given upon tlie causes of failure. He is now a loyal and able 
member of Congress. 



MAJOR-GEN. RUPTJS SAXTON. 

Major-Gen. Rufus Saxton, who was a farmer's boy in old 
Deerfield till he entered West-point Military Academy in 1845 
at the age of twenty-one, has, since his graduation, served in the 
regular army. He led a surveying expedition over the Rocky 
Mountains ; invented an improved instrument for taking deep-sea 
soundings, which bears his name ; and was conspicuous in the 
breaking-up of Camp Jackson, at St. Louis, when the war be- 
gan. During the Rebellion, he was military commander at Port 
Royal and Charleston, where, as the ardent friend of impartial 
justice and liberty, he won the grateful affection of the enfran- 
chised. 

BREVET MAJOR-GEN. GEORGE H. GORDON. 

In addition to the passing notice of this brave and able officer 
by Chaplain Quint, in his story of the Second Regiment, a more 
extended outline of his life and services will be a fitting accom- 
paniment to his portrait. 

Gen. Gordon was born in Charlestown, Mass., July 19, 1825. 
After a course of study at Pramingham Academy, he determined, 
if it were possible, to secure an appointment to the Military Acad- 
emy at West Point. Four years of patient waiting were crowned 
with success ; and he entered that institution in 1842, graduating 
in 1846. Gens. McClellan, Reno, Foster, Couch, Sturgis, Palmer, 
Stonewall Jackson, Maury, Rickett, and others of note, were in 
his class. 

Young Gordon was made brevet second lieutenant in a regiment 
of mounted riflemen, and went with Gen. Scott to Mexico, Decem- 
ber, 1846. He was with that commander in all his battles, 
marches, and sieges. He was wounded twice in the battle of 



MAJOR-GEN. GORDON. 565 

Mexico and of Ccrro Gordo ; and for Ins gallantry he was made 
first lieutenant. He remained with his command in the city of 
Mexico until December, 1847. Lieut. Gordon was ordered to 
command a company of cavalry which was to go as part of an 
escort to Vera Cruz, and return to the city of Mexico. He was 
very severely wounded by guerillas within one day's march of Vera 
Cruz ; receiving no less than one ball and thirteen slugs in various 
parts of his body, three or four of which still remain. His left 
liand was disabled for life ; all the bones in the back of it having 
been cut through He was carried to Vera Cruz, tenderly nursed 
by some Mexican ladies, taken on board a ship, and sent liome 
in April, 1848. The remainder of 1848 and 1840 he was on duty 
at different posts throughout the United States, on the Atlantic 
coast. In the spring of 1850, he joined his regiment in Oregon, 
and passed the summer and winter there at various stations on 
the banks of the Columbia River until 1851, when with his regi- 
ment he returned to the Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis. The 
remainder of 1851-52, he was stationed west of the Mississippi 
River, at Forts Scott and Leavenworth, meanwhile making a 
trip to the Rocky Mountains. 

In 1853, upon the application of Professor Baclie, he was de- 
tailed by Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War, upon the Coast 
Survey ; in which service he remained until the summer of 1854. 
He resigned, and, in the spring of 1855, entered the Cambridge 
Law School, where he remained one year. He had prepared 
himself for this course of study by reading law on the banks of 
the Columbia in Oregon, at Fort Scott in Missouri, and at Car- 
lisle Barracks in Pennsylvania. 

In 1856, he was admitted to practice in all the courts of this 
Commonwealth ; had attained a successful practice, when he 
abandoned all to raise a regiment for service in the Great Rebel- 
lion. After resigning his commission in the army, he received a 
pension for total disability, which he gave up forever when he 
entered the service again. His brilliant military career is re- 
corded with the services of the Second Regiment. He is now 
again in the practice of law in Boston. 

EVENTS IMMEDIATELY SUCCEEDING THE PRESIDENT'S DEATH. 

The months succeeding the assassination of our second Wash- 
ington, Abraham Lhicoln, April 14, 1865, were crowded with 
stirring events. The fate of Jefferson Davis, Booth, and his fel- 



566 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

low-conspirators, intensely excited the people, in connection with 
the precaricus condition of the Secretary of State and his son, 
who were also intended victims of the rebel homicides. 

But there were joyful emotions contending with, the painful 
throughout tlie loyal States. The war was closed, the country 
saved, and the greatest general of the age— the patient, modest, 
and victorious Grant, who was providentially delivered from the 
assassin's blow when Lincoln fell — was making a tour through 
the North, amid the grateful acclamations of the people. He 
was of and for the masses. Of Scotch descent, he was born, 
April 27, 1822, in a very humble dwelling at Point Pleasant, 0.; 
and entered West-point Military Academy in 1839. In the 
Mexican war he won laurels for noblest heroism, but at its 
close became an unsuccessful farmer, and then a leather mer- 
chant, in Galena, 111. His career, since the civil war commenced, 
has become a familiar story in every home. 

Gov. Andrew having learned that the Lieutenant-General 
was at Saratoga, and intended to visit the Eastern States and 
Canada, commissioned the Adjutant-General of the State to bear 
an official invitation to him to visit the Commonwealth. From 
Saratoga to Boston, during his stay at the capital, and along the 
route to Canada, and indeed through the Provinces, there was an 
enthusiasm rarely witnessed in national experience. 

Gen. Grant's home, while in Boston, was the Revere House. 
On the sabbath day, he attended divine service in the Old South, 
of Revolutionary memory, — the venerable temple of religious and 
civil freedom. 



PART III. 

MASSACHUSETTS AT HOME. 



CHAPTER I. 

PATRIOTIC PHILANTHROPY AND CHARITIES. 

The Spontaneous and Practical Sympathy of the People. — Lowell takes the Lead. — 
Charlestown. — Boston. — City Authorities, Banks, and Schools. — The American 
Tract Society. — The Christian Commission. 

ANCIENT history records the offering, by the Carthaginian 
women, of their liair, to manufacture bowstrings for their 
warriors ; and modern annals relate the story of Revolutionary 
sacrifices, and of a Florence Nightingale's ministry of mercy, 
whose shadow the suffering and grateful soldier kissed : but the 
late civil war presented the world with a spectacle of organized and 
individual benevolence, comprehending the temporal and spiritual 
wants of a million of men, altogether new in the history of war. 

The civil conflict liad immediately concerned in its issues 
a territory not only unequalled in extent, but covered with a net- 
work of railways for travel, above which ran telegraphic wires con- 
necting city and hamlet. 

The enterprising city of Lowell claims to have been the first, 
not only in the field with her troops, but at home, in a formal 
subscription in behalf of tiie soldiers, — the first to form an aid 
society, and the first to hold a sanitary fair. 

A public meeting was held April 15, 18(31 ; and, on the 18th, 
Judge Crosby wrote a note to the mayor, enclosing a check for 
one hundred dollars, requesting that the sum be sent immediately 
to the paymaster of the regiment, to supply any wants for which, 
in the haste of departure, no provision had been made. He also 
suggested the formation of a society to meet the necessities for 
which rations and medicine-chests did not provide. 

667 



568 MASSACHUSETTS IJV THE REBELLION. 

The mayor laid the matter before the City Council that evening, 
and took up a subscription as suggested. Five hundred dollars, 
besides Judge Crosby's one hundred, were thus obtained. 

As early as the 15th of April, while the ladies of Bridgeport, 
Conn., were holding a meeting in behalf of the army, for which 
the President's call had reached them a few hours before. Miss 
Almcna B. Bates, of Charlestown, was reading the summons to 
the volunteers to prepare for the field. Some of these men, she 
knew, would go from Charlestown. " What can we do to aid 
them in the sacrifices and sufferings before them?" was the 
question that stirred her heart and fell from her lips. There was 
a quick response to the benevolent appeal ; and, on the memora- 
ble 19th of April, a number of ladies and gentlemen signed a 
paper, which set forth in outline the organization of a relief 
society. Three days later, the Bunker-hill Relief Society adopted 
a constitution, and appointed officers: Mrs. H. G. Hutchins being 
chosen president ; Mrs. H. Lyon, secretary ; and Miss Almena B. 
Bates, treasurer. More than ten thousand dollars were received 
by this society in money ; and at one meeting, July 9, 1862, three 
hundred articles of clothing were made for the army. Two hun- 
dred soldiers' families were also relieved at home. 

Boston had no truer friend of the soldier than her son and 
Mayor, during nearly the whole war, the Hon. F. W. Lincoln, jun. 
He was born in that city, Feb. 27, 1817, the descendant of Puri- 
tan stock. His early life was marked by industry and probity, — 
qualities that have adorned his manhood. In all public move- 
ments for the prosecution of the war and the welfare of the 
troops, he was prompt to act, often drawing generously from his 
private means. His letter to the Mayor of Savannah, which 
went with the cargo of provisions after the surrender of that city, 
"was a model of touching Christian sympathy and patriotic senti- 
ment." 

April 18, there was a meeting of the officers of the Boston banks, 
and an offer made of their funds to the State, through the Gov- 
ernor. 

Thirty-nine banks were represented, comprising a capital of 
thirty-five million dollars. 

The Boston Board of Trade passed a series of patriotic resolu- 
tions the same day. The Common Council also appropriated a 
hundred thousand dollars for military purposes in the city. 

April 20, Fletcher Webster issued a card proposing to raise a 
new regiment; and, on the 22d, there was a meeting in the Mer- 



PUBLIC PHILANTHROPY AND CHARITIES. 569 

chants' Exchange to raise money to equip it, which, in three days, 
reached twelve thousand five hundred dollars. 

April 22, Plynioutli, the Old Colony, raised two thousand dollars 
for the war ; Marhlehead, five thousand ; Quincy, ton tliousand ; 
Abington, five thousand ; Maiden, one thousand ; Weymouth, 
five tliousand ; Jamaica Plain, four thousand ; Cambridge, ten 
thousand; Waltham, sixty-seven hundred; Pawtucket, tln-ee thou- 
sand ; Brookline, fifteen thousand ; Newton, twenty-four hundred 
twenty-five ; and Lynn, ten thousand. Andrew Carney gave five 
hundred to Irish volunteers ; and the Barnstable Bank, Yarmouth, 
voted to loan the State thirty-three thousand. 

Tlie aldermen of Boston passed resolutions unanimously pledg- 
ing tlie moral and material support of the city. 

During the succeeding days, railroad companies, beginning 
with the Eastern, insurance companies, with their plan to send a 
large steamer to cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, and other organiza- 
tions, offered their aid. 

The boys of the Quincy School gave two hundred dollars for such 
former members of the institution as might enlist. Framingham 
raised three thousand dollars to fit out a volunteer company, and 
her bank offered to loan the State twenty-five thousand dollars. 
Among the women who tendered their services, the young ladies 
of Mr. Sledhoff s school voted to devote their week's vacation to 
the making of garments for the soldiers. 

Somerville, Roxbury, Dorchester, Mansfield, Middleton, Wo- 
burn, Dedham, Melrose, Marshfield (where repose the remains of 
Webster), the Island of Nantucket, Sutton, Georgetown, Fairha- 
ven, and, indeed, nearly every town, followed in the enthusiastic 
offer of sums in proportion to their wealth equal to those already 
tendered. 

Even the inmates of the State Prison, at Charlestown, caught 
the spirit of sacrifice, and cheerfully performed extra labor in 
the common cause. 

Nurses responded to the call of Miss D. T. Dix, authorized by 
Secretary Cameron to act in the military hospitals. 

The last of April, Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, a name fragrant 
with Revolutionary memories, originated the Donation Committee. 
She determined to open her house as a depot for receiving and 
distributing the necessaries and comforts of a soldier's life ; when 
Mr. Evans offered the spacious rooms of the Evans House, Tre- 
mont Street, for her use. She entered them, and, with the co- 
operation of the Misses L. and D. Brown and Miss Bates, com- 

72 



570 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

menced her noble work, relying upon the Bank of Faith for 
means to prosecute it. About ten thousand dollars in money, 
hundreds of thousands of substantial articles of clothing and 
food, and an abundant supply of Testaments and other religious 
works, were distributed. 

The Soldiers' Relief Fund, 56 State Street, the Home of Dis- 
charged Soldiers, the Massachusetts Bible Society, and the ladies 
at the M'Lean Asylum, Somerville, were valuable auxiliaries to 
the Evans House. 

The Ladies' Industrial Aid Association, whose object it was to 
furnish work for wives of soldiers, employed many hundreds of 
erateful women. Mrs. C. R. Lowell was the president of this 
excellent association. 

Boston City Aid was another fountain of this exhaustless 
benevolence : its monthly ontlay was nearly twenty thousand dol- 
lars. 

April 30, the teachers of the public schools of Boston voluntarily 
proposed to relinquish from ten to twenty-five per ceijt of their 
salaries during the continuance of the national troubles. 

The superintendent of schools, and masters of Latin, English, 
High, and Girls' Higli and Normal Schools, twenty-five per cent. 

Masters of Grammar Schools, and sub-masters of English and 
Latin High Schools, fifteen per cent. 

Sub-masters and ushers of Latin and English High Schools, 
twelve and a half per cent. 

Ushers of Grammar Schools, ten per cent. 

The annual sum paid by this cheerful sacrifice alone, into the 
treasury of the State's war-charities, was twelve thousand dollars. 

The city of Boston cut down its appropriation one-quarter of a 
million, as a matter of economy, in view of the condition of the 
country. 

A committee of one hundred was appointed at a citizens' meeting 
to take charge of and distribute funds collected and received for 
the benefit of soldiers, — Gov. Andrew, President ; Chief Justice 
George T. Bigelow, Vice-President ; and Ex-Govs. Levi Lincoln, 
EdwardEverett, Marcus Morton, George N. Briggs, George S. Bout- 
well, Emory Washburn, John H. Clifford, Henry J. Gardner, and 
Nathaniel P. Banks, as Executive Committee. 

Then came a succession of contributions from towns, corpo- 
rations, and individuals, for the outfit of companies, the presenta- 
tion of horses to officers, and of banners to be borne through the 
smoke of battle. 



PUBLIC PHILANTHROPY AND CHARITIES. 571 

Ex-Gov. Washburn, of the Cambridgo Law School, sout flannel 
sliirts and pocket-handkerchiefs by the hundred, which were made 
by the ladies of that town. In acknowledging their cheerful labors, 
he said, " In glancing over the names, I realized most completely 
how great a hold the cause, in relief of which these troops are 
mustered, has upon every social class in our community. There 
are no hands too delicate to contribute something to the work," 
alluding to a letter from a poor needle-woman who was anxious 
to do the little in her power. 

May 23, 1861, the State Legislature passed "An Act in Aid of 
the Families of Volunteers, and' for other Purposes ; " doubtless 
the earliest legislation in the charitable department of service for the 
country in the war. Party and denominational lines disappeared 
before the strong tide of patriotic benevolence flowing from the 
people. 

The Sixth and Seventh Regiments from Massachusetts were 
met in New York by members of the Young Men's Christian 
Association with fraternal interest, — the beginning of army-work 
in that organization. 

The similar independent, local labor devoted to the troops in 
and near Washington, which Mr. Alvord found when he reached 
the front, attracted the attention of the leading minds of these 
useful associations. Delegates were sent out to visit the camps 
and barracks ; and by personal conversation, prayer, and religious 
l)ooks, they endeavored to promote the moral and spiritual wel- 
fare of the men. In the encampments at home, there was also 
much done by individual effort. 

Consultations respecting the best method to enlarge operations 
were held, which resulted in calling delegates from the Young 
Men's Christian Associations of the country, in New York, Nov. 
16, 1861. A United-States Christian Commission was formed, 
whose first President was Rev. A. Rollin Neale, D.D., of Boston. 
This grand enterprise, combining both material and moral 
relief and comfort to the army, soon attracted to it the Christian 
sentiment and sympathy of the North, and tlio grateful regard of 
the troops. 

Among its successful appeals to New England were eight 
meetings called by the Boston Army Committees in that city, and 
twenty^eight others in different parts of the six States ; whose 
golden harvest the first year was the handsome sum of seven thou- 
sand five hundred dollars. 

Seven hundred packages of stores were forwarded to the front. 



572 MASSACHUSETTS IJSf THE REBELLION. 

In the receiving-ship " Ohio," in Boston Harbor, more than 
three Imndred prayer-meetings were held by the Young Men's 
Christian Association, and twenty thousand copies of hymn- 
books and various religious works were distributed. 

Capt. Bartlett, the sailors' missionary, was unwearied in labors 
of love. 

Indeed, the Cliristian Commission found nowhere a more cordial 
welcome, and a more generous response to its requests for men 
and money, than in Massachusetts. 

From her churches among the hills, and lying along the fruit- 
ful banks of the Connecticut, and other smaller but no less beau- 
tiful waters, the sabbath contributions poured in ; and pastors 
volunteered to spend the six weeks required, or more, in labors 
of love wherever the army-lines marked the advance of the 
legions who had gone forth neither for glory nor reward, nor at 
tlie command of absolute power, but as the intelligent citizens 
of the first home of exiled freedom. 

Massachusetts furnished more delegates for the Commission 
than any other State. The four general field-agents were also 
from this Commonwealth. 

In contributions, it was second only to Pennsylvania ; Boston 
ranking next to Philadelpliia in tlie amount of donations from the 
cities of the Nortli. 

The Boston branch of the Cluistian Commission raised $358,- 
681.41 in money, and $526,980.10 in stores. In addition, much 
was sent directly to Philadelphia. Eight hundred and sixty dele- 
gates were commissioned by Charles Demond, Esq., the efficient 
agent ; and, in tlie single year 1865, from tlie office were sent to 
the army one thousand eight liundred and sixty-nine Bibles, 
twenty-five thousand eight hundred hymn-books, one hundred and 
ninety-eiglit tliousand seven hundred and twenty pages of tracts, 
twenty-two thousand five Imndred weekly religious papers, sixteen 
tliousand five hundred and eiglity soldiers' books, and one thou- 
sand four hundred and sixty bound books. 

The able committee was composed of Edward S. Tobey, Jacob 
Sleeper, Joseph Story, J. L. Warren, and Russell Sturgis, jun. 

Cliarles Demond, in his Address before the Alumni of Williams 
College, alluded to this free giving, and narrated some very in- 
teresting incidents connected with it. He says, — 

Some of the most delightful memories of my life are in connection with this 
free giving. It was my privilege, with others, to sit on the Exchange in 



PUBLIC PHILANTIIBGPY AND CHARITIES. 573 

Boston after the l^attles of Gettysburg and the Wilderness, and after the taking 
of Richmond, to receive the voluntary offerings of the people for the relief 
of the wounded. No one was asked to give. No attempt was made to 
awaken enthusiasm, except by giving notice in each day's papers of the fact, 
and of the sums given. In a few days, on the first occasion, thirty-five thou- 
sand dollars were handed in; on the second occasion, over sixty thousand; 
and on the third, thirty thousand. These munificent sums were made up of 
comparatively small contributions. Only one sum as large as a thousand 
dpUars was given, and from that to ten cents. It was a movement of the 
people. At times there was a crowd around the tables, and many were wait- 
in <>• their turn to give. . . . A poor woman of eighty, in Amherst, Mass., who 
supported herself by her needle, walked a long distance to give her five cents. 

The American Tract Society, Boston, whose efficient secretaries 
are Revs. I. P. Warren, J. W. Alvord, and William C. Childs, 
originated the idea of furnishing standard religious reading to 
the army ; circulating it with system, with vigor, and with a 
generous hand. 

In May, 1861, Mr. Broughton, the Depositary of the Society, 
visited Washington, carrying letters of introduction from Gov. 
Andrew, Hon. R. C. Winthrop, and others, to President Lincoln, 
Gen. Scott, Mr. Cameron, the Secretary of War, &c. He was 
received with cordiality, the Government entering heartily into 
the work. President Lincoln was specially interested and hope- 
ful in regard to the movement. A systematic distribution was 
devised. Books, tracts, and papers were prepared, and circulated 
among the soldiers whenever opportunity occurred. A depot was 
early established in Washington. Large boxes of books and 
tracts, including Lives of " Gen. Havelock," " Hedley Vicars," 
" Welcome to Jesus," in attractive forms, especially for sol- 
diers, were forwarded and distributed, and were received with 
great eaoerness by the noble boys flocking to the nation's capi- 
tal. Mr. Coolidge was also active in the good work. 

The society availed itself of every opportunity for the circula- 
tion of religious truth. Regiments passing through Boston, and 
entertained at Paneuil and Music Halls, were visited by Rev. J. 
W. Alvord and Mr. N. Broughton, and supplied with reading. 

Not unfrequently, when public dinners were given, the books, 
beautifully bound in red and blue, were distributed, a copy of 
each being put under every plate. 

The following editorial remarks from one of the first religious 
papers in the country will show the appreciation of the society's 
labors : — 



574 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

It is due to the American Tract Society, 28 Cornhill, Boston, to state that 
their enterprise in the form of books, pamphlets, miniature tracts, &c., for 
meeting the present necessities for reading in the army, is comprehensive, and 
worthy of all praise. A new demand at this point has been created for the 
activities of the society, and its officers respond to the demand with enlight- 
ened vigor. 

About four and a half million pages were distributed among 
the soldiers by this society during the first four months; after 
which time, till the end of the war, the circulation of reading 
by it continued without cessation, and constantly increased. 
Another earnest and self-sacrificing secretary of the society, Rev. 
J. W. Alvord, left his home, and went to the army, remain- 
ing throughout the war ; going with his wagon-load of religious 
reading from camp to camp, from army to army, accompanying 
them, in their marches, sharing their privations and hardships, 
and constantly distributing the gospel in the attractive form for 
which the society is celebrated. 

It would require a volume to narrate the unwearied labors of 
Mr. Alvord, not unfrequently bringing him to the gates of death 
through mere nervous exhaustion. 

His last great work has been to incorporate and establish the 
Freedmen's Savings Bank, with which enterprise he is now di- 
rectly connected. 

Among the various religious organizations which entered the 
field of Christian benevolence was the Massachusetts Habbath- 
school Society, whose venerable secretary, Mr. Bullard, and 
efficient treasurer, M. H. Sargent, were devoted to the moral 
and spiritual wants of the army at home and in the field. Of 
the beautiful memorial of "Adjutant Stearns," thirty thousand 
copies alone were circulated in the army. The " Soldier's Diary, 
and Book for Leisure Moments," prepared by Mr. Bullard, was 
widely circulated, and wcs a benediction to many a brave boy. 
The Seamen's Friend Society contributed largely in admirable 
little books and papers to the same object. The Rev. fl. S. 
Hanks, its popular secretary, has scattered numberless copies of 
" The Black-valley Railroad," an original and most graphic pic- 
ture, the work of his own genius, which presents impressively 
the ravages and ruin of intemperance. 

Throughout the army, and over the land, this new advocate of 
sobriety, and warning to the tippler, has gone on its mission of 
reform. 



CHAPTER II. 

SANITARY ASSOCIATIONS AND AID SOCIETIES. 

The Earliest Organized Efforts. — Cambridge and Boston. — New Bedford. — New-England 
Society of New-Yorlv City. — Newburyport. — Lynn. — Taunton. — Springfield. — 
Other Towns. — Lowell and the first Sanitary Fair. — Boston Fair. — The Donation of 
a venerable Woman. 

ON the 20tli of April, the city of Lowell, through its mayor, 
called the people together " for the purpose of initiathig 
measures for the comfort, encouragement, and relief of citizen- 
soldiers." 

Judge Crosby presented a plan of practical sympathy for the 
army, as follows : — 

1. By gatheiiug such fands and supplies as may be necessary. 

2. By supplying nurses for the sick or wounded, when and as far as 
practicable. 

3. By bringing home such sick and wounded as may be proper. 

4. By purchasing clothing, provisions, and matters of comfort which ra- 
tions and camp allowances may not provide, and which would contribute to 
the soldier's happiness. 

5. By placing in camp such Bibles, books, and papers as would instruct 
and amuse their days of rest and quiet, and keep them hiformed of passing 
events. 

6. By gathering the dates and making a record of the names and history of 
each soldier and his services. 

7. By holding constant communication with paymasters, or other officers 
of our regiments, that friends may interchange letters and packages. 

In April, 1861, the patriotic women of East Cambridge assembled 
to distribute among themselves the labor of furnishing Company A, 
of the Sixteenth Regiment, with flannel shirts, socks, towels, and 
other articles of clothing that might be wanted in the march 
and in the field. Till the close of the summer of 1862, the busy 
hands were weekly adding to the wardrobe of the absent boys ; but, 
having no formal organization, an accurate account of the value 
of their work was not kept. In September of that year, a^ 

575 



576 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

society was formed, numbering four hundred members, of whom 
two hundred and thirty were ladies. Mrs. R. J. Knight was 
president. 

For a year and a half the contributions were given to the Sani- 
tary Commission, and, after that time, divided equally between 
the Sanitary and the Christian Commissions. Nearly five thou- 
sand dollars were raised, about one-seventh of which was con- 
tributed by the various churches. 

In December, 1861, at 22 Summer Street, Boston, the rooms 
of the New-England Women's Auxiliary Association were opened, 
with the following board of officers : — 

President, John Ware ; Vice-President, Samuel Gr. Howe ; Secretary, 
Rufus Ellis ; Treasurer, George Hio-ffinson. 

During tlie ensuing year, seven hundred and fifty tributary 
societies were formed in the cities and villages of Massachusetts 
and the other five States of New England. 

Like the streams which swell the majestic ocean, from these 
gatherings of earnest women in the valleys and among the moun- 
tains the contributions poured into the central society at Boston, 
until the articles forwarded in a single year reached the large 
figure of two lumdred and fifty-five thousand ; the pamphlets 
scattered in the army, forty-two thousand ; and the money received, 
sixty-five thousand dollars, — thus making a broad current of 
benevolence, gladdening the arid and blackened field of conflict, 
where, by hundreds and thousands, the sons of New England were 
carrying the flag of freedom towards the heart of rebellion. 

There was, among all the auxiliaries, none, perhaps, more 
efficient than the Old Cambridge Sanitary Society, which, organ- 
ized tlie October before, when the Boston society entered upon its 
work, became a subordinate charity. 

The collections in money were nine thousand dollars. The 
slipper and handkerchief circles were " wheels witlun a wheel," 
whose movements were felt through every part of it. 

New Bedford, called the " City of Oil," but one of the cleanliest, 
healthiest, and wealthiest towns in the Union, in proportion to its 
population, had been educated by her peculiar experience for a 
prompt offer of aid in the great conflict when it opened. Her 
Quaker mayor, in 2^. peaceful way, gave the whole force of his offi- 
cial authority and influence to the furtherance of any measure 
designed to express Northern patriotism, and deepest sympathy 
for the defenders of the national banner. 



SANITARY ASSOCIATIONS AND AID SOCIETIES. bll 

The Soldiers' Aid Society of New Bedford was first organized, 
April 18, 1801, to make garments for the New-Bedford City 
Guards, who had left, at a few hours' notice, on the 18th, 21st, 
and 22d. The City Hall was crowded with women who had there 
assembled to cut and sew. The funds needed were contributed 
by the citizens : but the mayor afterwards decided that the city 
should pay the bills, which amounted to three hundred and fifty- 
nine dollars and ninety-seven cents ; and the money was returned 
to the givers. 

On May 14, it was voted that the society should be organized, 
to meet weekly until the end of the war. New officers were 
chosen, who, with two exceptions, were on duty until the society 
was dissolved. 

The money in cash given was sixteen thousand two hundred 
and eighty-nine dollars and seventy-two cents. The gifts in 
clothing, stores, delicacies for the sick, books, and the numberless 
articles needed, were very liberal and abundant, — fully equal to 
the above amount. To the fairs held at Baltimore, Boston, St. 
Louis, and New York, the contributions were very liberal. 

Supplies were forwarded to the Massachusetts Military State 
Agency at Washington, D.C. ; to Baltimore, Annapolis, Portress 
Monroe, Philadelphia, and the New-England Rooms, New York ; 
to the Seminary Hospital, Georgetown, D.C, and Hilton Head, 
S.C., Portsmouth Grove, R.I., and to Miss Dix. 

The society maintained its independent organization through its 
whole period of existence ; and the management was characterized 
by its efficiency and usefulness, its prompt attention to appeals for 
aid, and thorough excellence of all its supplies. 

In July, 1865, the last call was supplied. 

Tlie amount given in the churches and by wealthy merchants 
would greatly exceed the sum expended by this association. 
When women and children worked with a heartiness and zeal 
corresponding to the great interests at stake, children who could 
not sew picked lint or rolled bandages ; many held fairs, and 
sent the proceeds for the aid of the sick soldiers ; those who had 
no money to give knit or sewed ; and, in every dwelling, work 
was done for the soldiers. 

Many soldiers' families received important sums for work ac- 
complished for the association. 

Tiie New-England Society of New- York City — a social and 
charitable association — extended its benevolent operations when 
the civil war began ; forming around the old organization another, 

73 



578 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

called the Sons of Xew England. A year later, the members, 
who were largely from Massachusetts, had in successful opera- 
tion the Xew-Eugland Soldiers* Relief Association, whose special 
work it was to " aid and care for all the sick and wounded soldiers 
passing through the city of Xew York on their way to and from 
the war." Col. Frank E. Howe, military agent for four of the 
Eastern States, one of wliich was Massachusetts, was made super- 
intendent. The building erected and furnished for the piu'pose was 
Xo. 19S, Broadway. From April 9. 18(32, to Feb. 1, 1S65, thv. 
association received, registered, lodged, fed, aided, and clothed 
about sixty thousand soldiers, many of them wounded or disabled. 
Two-thirds of them were from Xew England. The Harmonic 
Society furnished music for the sabbath service, at which dif- 
ferent clergymen officiated. The Women's Auxiliary Committee 
were tireless in ministrations of mercy to our sick boys. Who- 
ever visited the neat, airy, and pleasant rooms, and saw and heard 
the gi-atitude of the pale heroes descended from Xew-Englaud 
sires, thanked God for that word " Xew England "' over the doors. 

Cambridgeport. during three years of the war, did its charitable 
army-work without any other form of organization than a circle 
of the members of each religious society. Early in 18G4, through 
the efforts of a few clergymen, the Cambridgeport Soldiers' Aid 
Association was formed, whose president was Mrs. J. M. S. Wil- 
liams. The amount of its funds, the first year, was three thou- 
sand dollars. The Home Relief Department, into which was 
merged the Young Ladies' Circle, whose object had been to clothe 
the absent soldiers' children, exemplified, emphatically and practi- 
cally, the familiar adage. •• Charity begins at home." 

The Ladies' Soldiers" Relief Association of Xewburyport entered 
upon its organic existence and noble work Aug. 14, 1862. 
Mr?. A. L. March was its president. Like the similar society of 
Xew Bedford, it maintained an mdependent position, dispensing 
its charities according to the urgency of any appeal that reached 
the association. The commissions, hospitals, and camps, wherever 
the army were fighting or encamped, were remembered by this 
excellent society, whose collections in money reached five thousand 
dollars ; and the number of boxes forwarded to the front and be- 
yond, sixty. The pleasant city of Lynn, whose manufacturers 
not only cover the feet of thousands, but are always ready to help 
those who cannot walk or in any respect need luiman sympathy, 
was prompt to offer aid to the mustering army. When the Rebel- 
lion shed Xorthern blood, the peace-loving Quakers raised j fund 



SANITARY ASSOCIATIONS AIH) AID SOCIETIES. 579 

of three thousand dollars for the families of soldiers ; and in 
January, 18G3, organized their efficient Aid Society. Church 
collections, woman's ceaseless labors for the mariner as well as the 
landsman, and literary entertainments, all swelled the amount of 
Lynn charities for the war. Taunton, after unwearied sacrifices 
for the army, formed her Hospital Aid Society on the ITth of 
January, 18G2 ; through which channel alone passed contributions 
amounting to five tliousaud dollars. 

The Soldiers' Rest in Springfield was established durmg the 
summer of 1863, when the number of sick and wounded soldiers 
passing through Springfield began to attract attention, and their 
condition and necess-ities to demand sympathy and assistance. 
The battles of the previous campaigns had filled the hospitals 
located near the fields of conflict ; and each succeeding engagement 
necessitated the removal of sick and wounded men northward. 
The location of Springfield, at the junction of two main lines of 
railroad communication, brought large numbers through the city. 
Organized efibrt for the relief of these men resulted in the estab- 
lishment of the Soldiers' Rest. During the fall aud winter of 
1863, a small, cheap building, and a comparatively small amount 
of labor, were sufficient to care for those who needed assistance 
at this point. But the opening of the spring campaign of 1864, 
in the sanguinary battles of May, brought responsibilities which 
tasked the little organization to the utmost. To meet these, a 
large building was erected, fitted, and furnished ; and the aggi-egate 
result may be appreciated in the single fact, that, up to the present 
time, there have been received and cared for at " The Rest "' more 
than ten thousand men ; and more than ten thousand dollars have 
been expended in buildings, labor, supplies, fuel, food, medicines, 
and medical attendance, for the relief of these men ; which ex- 
pense has been mainly borne by the citizens of Springfield. 

Pittsfield, Northampton, and Greenfield, which for beauty of 
situation, and intelligent enterprise, have no superiors in this 
Commonwealth, through local societies, sabbath and private con- 
tributions, bore their part in the unceasing charities of the people. 
Indeed, the humblest, town among the coldest heights of the State 
sent down a rill of benevolence to swell the great tide, daily 
augmented by new outbursts of the abounding love cherished 
for those who rallied around the flag on the arena of conflict 
between Freedom and Tyranny, upon which was fixed the gaze 
of the world. 

Lowell originated, in idea and in practical form, the first Sani- 



580 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

tary Fair. A. participant in this movement, which became a na- 
tional fashion, if not passion, thus records its history : — 

On the evening of the 24th of January, 1863, a score of ladies assembled 
at the house of a gentleman in Lowell, at the request of his daughters, to 
consider the expediency of holding a fair in aid of the Sanitary Commission. 
At first, it was only intended to make it a neighborhood aftair : but, as they 
talked, the cause inspired them with deeper interest and stronger faith ; and, 
before they separated, they had not only decided -to ask the co-operation of 
every religious society in the city, Protestant and Catholic, but a notice was 
written for the city papers, requesting all persons interested to meet at a 
specified place. A large number of ladies and gentlemen responded to the 
call. A plan was drawn up, and an executive committee, composed of nine 
gentlemen and six ladies, chosen. Committees, with a chairman for each, 
were appointed for each department. In four weeks from the day when the 
first meeting was called, without a dollar in hand or an article prepared, the 
first Sanitary Fair in the United States was opened, — a fair which, for hai-- 
monj of action, beauty of decorations, system and order of management, and 
perfection of its financial arrangements, has never been excelled, if equalled. 

In acknowledging the receipts of the proceeds. Dr. Bellows 
wrote, — 

The zeal and liberality of your community have been conspicuous in every 
turn of the war. Your repeated contributions to our stock of supplies had 
not led us to anticipate such a splendid addition as you now ofier. You 
would have been up to the average if you had stopped where you were. 
You will make it very difficult for any community, this side of the Rocky 
Mountains, to keep pace with you, now that you pour into our treasury 
four thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars. 

The magnificent Chicago Fair followed that of Lowell. Among 
its contributions were a six-hundred-dollar piano from Chick- 
ering and Sons ; handsome collections of their works from Profs. 
Agassiz and Longfellow of Cambridge ; and by James M. Barnard, 
of Boston, a beautiful assortment of china ornaments, valued at 
five lumdred dollars. Next in order came Boston, whose splendid 
fair opened Dec. 14, 1863 ; the total receipts amounting to one 
hundred and fifty-three thousand six hundred and fifty-eight 
dollars and ninety-seven cents. 

The " quil ting-party " was there, the spinning-wheel and ap- 
ple-paring, the busy workers attired in the apparel of the days 
of the " Boston Tea-party." Upon a pair of socks which would 
not dishonor the best efforts of any " fair knitter " was this 
note : — 



SANITARY ASSOCIATIONS AND AID SOCIETIES. 581 

The fortunate owuer of these socks is secretly inforniod that they are the 
one hundred and ninety-first pair knit for our brave boys by Mrs. Abner 
Bartlett of Medford, Mass., now aged eighty-five years. — January, 1864. 

Mrs. Samuel A. Frazer of Duxbury, who was ninety-two when 
the war commenced, and could recollect the trials of '76, the 
horrors of Valley Forge, also knit a number of pairs of worsted 
stockings for the soldiers of the second national-life struggle she 
had lived to see. A barrel of hospital clothing from Conway, a 
Swiss hamlet among the hills, contained " a pair of socks knit by 
a lady who is ninety-seven years old. She is ready and anxious 
to do all she can." Of the two hundred and seventy-five thousand 
dollars in money received by the Western Sanitary Commission, 
fifty thousand were from Massachusetts. 



CHAPTER III. 
THE FREEDMEN; THE REFUGEES; THE DESTITUTE SOUTH. 

The first Movement in regard to the Freedraen. — Contributions to relieve the suffering 
and loyal People of East Tennessee. — The Sailor's Home. — Boston sends Aid to 
Savannah. — Aid for Missouri. — Woman's Work. 

THE earliest association formed to take care of the liberated 
slaves came into existence in the house of Rev. J. M. Manning 
of the Old South, Boston, Feb. 7, 1862. Mr. E. L. Pierce, United- 
States agent for emancipated negroes of Port Royal, had made 
an effective appeal ; and, in the quiet gatliering at the parsonage, 
the desired result was attained in the organization of the New- 
England Freedmen's Aid Society ; his Excellency John A. An- 
drew, president. The call for patient and faithful teachers to 
go among the unlettered, docile, and multiplying thousands 
whose manacles the unsparing hand of Mars liad shivered, was 
answered by the sons and daughters of New EngUmd with enthu- 
siasm ; and soon many of them were surrounded by the eager 
learners, who, but a few days before, were chattels. Of the money 
and goods which the society contributed in two years, whose val- 
uation was nearly a hundred and thirty-six thousand dollars, 
almost the entire sum was from New England, and three-quarters 
of it from Massachusetts alone. For the freedmen of the South- 
west, through Chaplains Fiske and Fisher, New England gave 
forty thousand dollars more. Boston added nine tliousand dol- 
lars to the funds of the Roanoke Colony. 

Massachusetts furnished the Tlianksgiving dinner in 1864 for 
all the soldiers in the Washington hospitals (seventeen thousand), 
besides supplying the forts in Boston Harbor and other military 
stations, and sharing in the New-York army-subscription. When, 
early in 1861, the touching appeal in behalf of loyal and outraged 
East Tennessee was made by Col. Taylor, Boston was the first to 
act. Feb. 10, 1864, a public meeting was held in Faneuil Hall, of 
which Edward Everett was president ; and Gov. Andrew, Mayor 
Lincoln, and others, vice-presidents. Mr. Everett, upon taking 
the chair, made one of his happiest efforts on such occasions. 



OUR NAVAL HEROES. 583 

Whoever heard him will not forget his eloquent descriptions of 
the rivers, valleys, and the siunmits crowned with cultivation to 
their tops, the resources and hcalth-breatliing climate, of East 
Tennessee, closing with this paraphrase of a German poet : — 

" On the mountains is freedom : the breath of the vales 
Rises not up to the pure mountain gales." 

Though no call was made upon individual benevolence, several 
notes with remittances were received, effectively demonstrating 
])ractical sympathy, which we are compelled to exclude from these 
pages. The Second Church in Dorchester transmitted three 
hundred and twenty-five dollars through the hands of the pas- 
tor, Rev. James A. Means. Mr. T. P. Alien's school of New Bed- 
ford sent sixty-seven dollars. Mr. George F. Bartlett of tlie same 
city sent six sovereigns, the only thing saved from the whaleship 
" Lafayette," burned by " The Alabama," April 15, 1863, off Fer- 
nando de Noronlea. Capt. Lewis had this gold with him on shore 
to purchase stores ; when Semmes steamed around the island, and 
burned his ship. Mr. Bartlett alluded touchingly to the immor- 
tal Lafayette in his note. A very interesting note, enclosing forty- 
five dollars from three school-misses of Chelsea, was also received. 
This sum was collected by them from house to house, after their 
school-hours, in small sums. A poor old woman gave her all, 
seven cents, with an earnest wish that it were more. The hand- 
some donation of a hundred and thirty-two dollars was sent by 
the Eliot-church Sabbath School of Newton. The scholars were 
stimulated to give liberally by the offer of the teachers to double 
the amount they gave. A noble warrior, who had fought by the 
side of East Tennesseeans, forwarded five hundred dollars, mod- 
estly signing himself "Anonymous." Miss Anne Wigglesworth 
accompanied her second donation of a hundred dollars with 
expressions worthy a true woman's loyalty. 

The naval heroes in the service of the Union were well-nigh 
overlooked in their isolation, because the people had for many 
years left all sailors to such care as benevolent societies in time 
of peace might give them. 

And yet what could the nation have done without the mariners 
of "The Congress," " The Cumberland," "The Monitor," the Porter 
and the Farragut fleet, and the men of a thousand or more float- 
ing leviathans, which, in battle and blockade, held or ravaged the 
enemy ? 



584 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

To Boston belongs the honor of the first popular demonstration 
in their behalf. 

The National Sailors' Fair, to secure a Sailor's Home, opened in 
Boston, Nov. 9, 1864. It was a " Boston notion," adopted cor- 
dially by the Commonwealth, and cherished by many friends 
abroad. The objects in view to be attained by means of this fair 
were forcibly and clearly set forth by the distinguished committee. 

Alexander H. Rice and Mrs. John A. Bates were chairmen of 
the Managing Committee ; Tiiomas Russell, vice-chairman ; John 
A. Bates, paymaster U.S.N., treasurer; and Mrs. S. T. Hooper, 
secretary. The Hon. Edward Everett made the opening address 
in his usual eloquent and attractive manner. He pleaded im- 
pressively for "poor Jack." 

Monitor Hall was a department of the splendid display, unsur- 
passed in interest. The mimic battles, and the narrative of Capt. 
Worden, who was introduced by Mr. Everett, are fresh in the 
memory of those who enjoyed the novel exhibition. 

The miniature monitor built by Mr. Joseph Kay earned for the 
fair ten thousand dollars. 

Among the distinguished contributions was the mammoth ox 
from President Lincoln, to whom it was presented, which brought 
into the treasury three thousand dollars. Tlie whole proceeds 
of the magniiicent affair amounted to $282,370.90. 

The most striking and suggestive offer of aid during the war 
was that of Boston to Savannah in January, 1865. 

Aug. 10, 1774, at a mass meeting of Georgians held in Savan- 
nah, a committee was chosen " to receive subscriptions for the 
suffering poor of Boston." 

The Port Bill in the latter city, like the blockade along the 
Southern coast in regard to the former, had reduced the popu- 
lation to very meagre supplies of daily food. The sales of rice 
contributed amounted to two hundred aud sixteen pounds, and 
was forwarded to the Boston Committee. 

The citizens of Boston reciprocated the relief in 1865. The 
amount raised by that city, New York, and Philadelphia, was not 
far from a hundred thousand dollars. 

The grateful acknowledgments which came back after the good 
ship of supplies had reached Savannah were worthy of both the 
donors and the beneficiaries. 

A writer in " The North-American Review " made an interest- 
ing statement with-regard to the relation of the Western Sanitary 
Commission to Boston. He says, — 



MUNIFICENCE OF COUNT SCHWAB E. 585 

Boston alone has sent over two hundred thousand dollars ; New Eno'land, 
five hundred thousand. The golden rule, to do as you would be done by, 
thus practised, will bind the East and West together in bonds that no seces- 
sion or rebellion will ever disturb again. At this moment, no two cities are 
nearer each other than St. Louis and Boston ; no two States, than Slissouri 
and Massachusetts. 

Count L. Beunet Schwabe, a native of Germany, and a gentle- 
man of great v\^ealth, is perhaps the most remarkable and muni- 
ficent donor called into the field of benevolent activity by the 
national cause. 

The family of the count (who, with republican simplicity and 
modesty, insists upon being called Mr. Schwabe), for several gen- 
erations, held large possessions in South Carolina. He was in the 
war with Algiers, and in the Danish war of 1848. After vainly 
using his influence to keep the home of secession in the Union, he 
came North at the opening of the civil conflict, while his brother 
Gustavus cast in his lot with the rebels. 

While at Middletown, Conn., visiting his old friends, — Gen. 
Mansfield, U.S.A., and Com. Tatnall, — the First Connecticut In- 
fantry answered the call for three-months' men. To these troops 
he gave a full supply of hospital-stores, — his first contribution to 
the wants of the army. Since then, like the dew of heaven on the 
battle-fields, his beneficence has fallen upon every camp, and al- 
most every hospital-cot, in the vast arena of the Union arms. 

The great Commissions recognize him as the most liberal and 
careful contributor. 

Fifty thousand dollars would not be a high estimate -of the cost 
of his donations ; his express-charges alone reaching five thousand 
dollars. He has received more than thirty thousand letters of 
acknowledgment from men in the highest official positions and in 
the ranks. Whole libraries have been constantly forwarded to 
the hospitals and soldiers' homes. 

His character and motives have been misjudged by some, appar- 
ently on account of the peculiarities and originalities of his man- 
ner. All sorts of things have been said about his designs ; but he 
has not taken the time to correct false impressions. He is, we 
believe, a true man in his love of liberty, and humane devotion to 
the country of his adoption. We find in the columns of the peri- 
odical press, before the war, the warmest expressions of gratitude 
for his benevolent aid in establishing mission-schools, and dona- 
tions to the needy. 

74 



586 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Upon tlie return of peace, Count Schwabe wrote to the Gov- 
ernor of the State, congratulating tlie coi'intry upon its victorious 
struggle, and announcing his retirement from the office of the 
State House to private life. But he carried his undying interest 
in the Republic with him. Taking rooms in the City Hall, he de- 
voted his labor to his gallery of portraits of fallen heroes, on 
which he is lavishing another fortune. 

Nov. 4, 1864, a grand entertainment was given, at a private 
residence in Beacon Street, in compliment to Count Schwabe, the 
" soldier's friend." The city, army and navy, were well repre- 
sented on the occasion. 

A delegation of the Dale United-States Hospital of ex-invalid 
soldiers, Worcester, presented a fine painting by the count to the 
library there, which bears the name of Lieut. Putnam, Twentieth 
Massachusetts Regiment. 

The officers of the army and navy gave him an elegant silver 
dressing-case. From Readville Hospital was sent a valuable 
breast-pin, to express the appreciation, by officers and inmates, of 
the generous gift of a good library. 

HOSPITALS AND SOLDIERS' HOMES. 

Pemberton-square United-States Army Hospital was the first 
one established in Boston, with Dr. William Townsend, jun., as 
surgeon in charge. Under his care, the hospital was a model. 
Mr. Schwabe, who was from the first to the last a constant visitor, 
presented to the inmates the first Christmas and New-Year's 
suppers ; Rie Hon. Robert C. Winthrop giving the dinners. 
The hospital is at present in Summer Street, under the name of 
"The Soldier's Rest," and still in charge of Surgeon Townsend, 
who has won the confidence of those under his care and of the 
Government. 

Readville United-States Hospital was laid under the skilful 
management of Dr. John Stearns, surgeon in charge, in the sum- 
mer of 1864, who with his successor. Dr. Gross, was a gentleman 
fitted for the work ; and thousands of grateful soldiers enjoyed 
not alone their kind attentions, but shared largely their private 
means. The fine library was the gift of Count Schwabe, and 
named by him the "Kearney Library." 

The Dale United-States Hospital, Worcester, was opened, under 
the chai-ge of Dr. Chamberlain, in November, 1864. It was a supe- 
rior Ijuiiding, with a pleasant chapel, and a large library, the gift 



SOLDIERS' HOMES. 587 

of Count Schwabe. The officers and good people of Worcester 
have over been eminently devoted to the welfare of the suffering 
inmates. Galloui)e's Island was the residence of many thousands 
of the Union soldiers. It was under the command of Brig.-Gen. 
Hendrickson, a very gentlemanly officer. A library, a furnislied 
cliurch, and other contributions, were the memorials of Count 
Hchwabe's generous interest in the comfort of the Union troops. 

The first discharged-soldicrs' home in the country was estab- 
lished, in tlic early part of the war, in North Street, through the 
generosity of private individuals, and the deep interest of the Rev. 
Phincas Stowe, who was the pioneer in the enterprise, and to the 
present hour has labored hard for the institution. Eminent men 
and ladies of Boston took a deep interest in the home. Among 
them were Edward S. Tobey, Joseph Story, E. Redington Mudge, 
the soldier's friend, L. B. Schwabe, Peter C. Brooks, Ginery 
Twichell, and others. The home was soon removed to the present 
fine location on Springfield Street. The noble structure was 
loaned by the city. The Legislature has donated several times 
from ten to twenty thousand dollars. The building was furnished 
by private generosity, societies and churches, and is supported prin- 
cipally by private contributions. Mr. Tobey is president ; Mr. and 
Mrs. Rice and Miss Rice are the able managers ; Dr. L. K. Shel- 
don, a surgeon of ability and all goodness to the sick, is the phy- 
sician, with an excellent assistant. This institution is perhaps 
superior to any of its kind in the country. 

The Soldier's Home at Weston is as old, within a few months, 
as the above ; and has been carried on entirely under the care and 
management of Lieut. Calilf, late of the Eleventh Regiment. It 
has given shelter and a home to men maimed for life, principally 
foreigners, who had no friends in the country. We might fill 
many pages with the record of woman's unambitious and blessed 
ministry of mercy among the sick, wounded, and dying. Such 
nurses as Mrs. Pomeroy of Chelsea, whose presence, like Florence 
Nightingale's amid the horrors of Crimean warfare, was itself a 
benediction to the suffering, and a host of co-workers in tlie field, 
and at home, may yet have a fitting volume, whose title shall, 
be, " Woman's Part in the War of a Nation's Redemption." 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE MEDICAL SERVICE. 

Surgeon-Gen. Dale. — Other Officers. — State Agencies. — Col. Frank E. Howe, New York ; 
Mr. Carson, Philadelphia; Mr. Robinson, Baltimore; Mr. Tnfts, Washington. — Surgeon 
Dale's Testimony. — Gov. Andrew's Tribute to the Medical Service. 

THERE was yet another form of benevolent care exercised by 
the State over, her sons in the field, which attracted but 
little public notice, but was, in a part of its work at least, a 
noble charity, — the medical service in the war. 

At the head of it was the able, wise, and faithful Surgeon-Gen- 
eral, William J. Dale, — a gentleman whose high-toned loyalty and 
character have shed lustre on the great work of the Good Samari- 
tan in caring for the wounded and sick on hostile soil, performed 
on the grandest scale by the surgeons of the war. That inexperi- 
ence, carelessness, and intemperance marred it, cannot be doubted ; 
but we agree with Surgeon Dale, who says in his report, — 

It is a satisfaction to add, in the exigency summoning so many medical men 
from the ordinary duties incident to civil life to the untried hardships of the 
camp and field, that no troops were ever cared for with more skill and faith- 
fulness than the volunteer regiments in the service from Massachusetts. 

We add the list of staff medical officers, appointed by Massa- 
chusetts, who have been brevetted, as given by the Surgeon- 
General : — 

Brevet Brigadier- General, United- States Army. — Surgeon Charles H. 
Crane, United-States x\rmy. 

Brevet Major, United-States Army. — Assistant Surgeon Warren Web- 
ster, United-States Army. 

Brevet Colonel, United- States Volunteers. — Surgeon S. A. Holman, 
United-States Volunteers. 

Brevet Lieutenant -Colonels^ United -States Volunteers. — Surgeons Da- 
vid P. Smith, United-States Volunteers ; Ira Russell, United-States Volun- 
teers^ J. Theodore Heard, United-States Volunteers; F. S. Ainsworth, 

588 



SURGEON-GEN. DALE AND ASSISTANTS. 589 

United-States Volunteers ; John W. Foye, United-States Volunteers ; C N. 
Chamberlain, United-States Volunteers; P. A. O'Connell, United-States 
Volunteers; A. M. Wilder, United-States Volunteers; Frank Meacham, 
United-States Volunteers; Lincoln R. Stone, United-States Volunteers; 
0. M. Humphrey, United-States Volunteers; Joel Seaverns, United-Stateg 
Volunteers; George Derby, United-States Volunteers; George A. Otis, 
United-States Volunteers. 

Brevet Major, United - States Volunteers. — Assistant Surgeon J. W. 
Merriam, United-States Volunteers. 

Brevet Captains, United -States Volunteers. — Assistant Surgeons D. B. 
Hannan, United-States Volunteers ; J. W. Hayward, United-States Vol- 
unteers. 

It is gratifying to notice, that at the head of the above list of meritorious 
surgeons stands the name of a distinguished officer, whose loyalty, courtesy, 
energy, and executive abihty, have been greatly instrumental in bringing the 
medical corps of the army to a condition securing the confidence of the Govern- 
ment and the lasting gratitude of the country. 

Surgeon Dale, in closing his very valuable report, writes in 
memoriam, — 

The Angel of Death rested over the agency, and two of its most cherished 
members are gone. 

Irving S. Vassell, of Oxford, chief assistant, died April 9, 1865, aged 
twenty-six years. 

Expecting the summons to come, he was waiting to go ; yet he walked 
cheerfully on to the last, fulfilling " the whole duty of man." 

Brilliant in intellect, and pure in spirit, he adorned this life, and was fitted 
for a higher. 

In his departure, the agency lost its most gifted and valued member, his 
parents their "chief joy," and the world a man by whose living it had been 
made better, 

Alden S. Carr, of West Newbury, died July 6, 1865, aged twenty-three 

years. 

He was a young man of singular purity of character and refined manners. 
His good deeds and kind ways will long be remembered. 

As the greater number of troops demanded increased that 
of suffering men, the State appointed agencies at important 
pomts for the relief of her soldiers. The Surgeon-General had the 
superintendence of the new and benevolent enterprise. The first 
agency opened was at Washington, in charge of Lieut.-Col. Tufts ; 
a second at Baltimore, in charge of William Robinson, Esq. ; a 
third at Philadelphia, Lieut. Robert R. Carson manager ; a fourth 



590 MASSACHUSETTS /iV THE REBELLION. 

in New York, under the direction of Col. Frank E. Howe ; and a 
fifth at Hilton Head, S.C., of which A. L. Stimson, Esq., was the 
agent. 

The objects of the agencies were to visit the trains or boats 
•having sick and wounded soldiers of Massachusetts, and extend all 
possible aid ; to make weekly returns of all arrivals, and those in 
hospitals, adding an account of deaths and departures ; and the 
care of discharged soldiers in distress. 

Col. Frank E. Howe served the State, without salary, at the 
agency, 194, Broadway, New York ; the record of whose noble 
work for our New-England troops alone would fill a volume. 

William RoI)inson, Esq., of the Baltimore Agency, forwarded 
to Surgeon Dale interesting statements of relief extended to dis- 
charged soldiers, letters to friends respecting the missing ones, and 
replies to the manifold inquiries of anxious hearts at home. 

At no point were the labors and touching scenes of the agency 
more varied and grateful to the worker than at Washington, under 
the care of Gardner Tufts, Esq., who devoted his energies to the 
suffering ; offering as far as possible tlie presence of home, with 
its cheering aspects ; and carrying its comforts to those prostrate 
ones whose smitten forms and depressed spirits needed all the 
reviving influences of tliat sacred place. 

From the statement of Robert B. Carson, agent at Philadelphia, 
we take a single paragraph : — 

I have seen these men as they have been brought from shipboard ; and I 
have stood over their beds, endeavoring to ease their last sufferings, to which 
a worse than hellish ingenuity had given such a fearful shape. And I say, 
that one may thread and brood over a fresh battle-field till there is forced 
in upon him a full appreciation of the agonies which his sense sickens to be- 
hold ; or ho may wander through all the loathsomeness of a half-old field ; or 
he may take his daily path among our hospitals, and mark all the varied forms 
of suffering and of death known there : he will never see such unmitigated 
horrors as in the maimed, distorted, shrunken, and sometimes half-rotten 
bodies of our soldiers returned from Southern prison-pens. 

More than six thousand letters were written durins; a single 
year, and six hundred and ten telegrams sent in behalf of the 
troops. 

The ways of serving the men and their families were manifold. 
At the office, applications for State aid, calls for intelligence 
of every kind, collection of pay, and the sending of agents to 



DISABLED SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. 591 

battle-fields to get reliable information of the wounded, were all 
a part of the ordinary round of business. 

The care of the heroic dead was a sad labor, but a most wel- 
come one to the bereaved friends afar. 

Mr. Tufts dwells with peculiar interest upon the grand furlough 
given to our troops at the last presidential campaign, and tlie 
Thanksgiving dinner furnished through the Union City Commit- 
tee of Boston, of which S. B. Stebbins, Esq., was secretary. Mr. 
Tufts reports, — 

We distributed fifteen and three-quarters tons of poultry, pics, &c., to 
thirty-six different hospitals, containing eighteen thousand patients ; and also 
to twenty-six companies Massachusetts heavy artillery, the Sixteenth Light 
Battery, and to other scattered detachments. We received by contribution 
$3,603 ; of which $3,433.01 was expended, and the balance, $169.99, by 
direction of the committee, turned over to our relief fund. It is needless to 
dwell upon the hearty good-will developed towards our State by the splendid 
display of its liberality. 

The Massachusetts Army and Navy Union, of which Gen. 
Hinks is president, and Col. Lounsbury secretary, is an excel- 
lent association, designed to perpetuate pleasant associations, 
protect the members against fraud, and secure necessary aid to 
disabled soldiers and the needy families of dead or invalid troops. 

During the summer of 18G5, Surgeon-Gen. Dale, Col. F. L. 
Lee, A.A.D.C, and Col. J. M. Day, Provost-Marshal of the Com- 
monwealth, were appointed trustees of a fund for the benefit of 
disabled soldiers and their families. A part of it was money. 
deposited with the Provost-Marshal to procure representative 
recruits in the army, they having cost less than was anticipated. 
The depositors not only surrendered the amount cheerfully for 
the charitable use, but, in several instances, increased the sum. 

The constant forethought of the Government, in the generous 
care of the soldier, was also expressed in the early part of the 
year in a general order issued in his behalf, establishing a re- 
gistery in the office of the Surgeon-General, recording the name, 
age, occupation, &c., of disabled officers and men. To this the 
attention of those having situations at their disposal was invited. 
Later an association of returned Massacluisetts volunteers was 
formed for aiding disabled soldiers honorably discharged; -which 
soon after, on the recommendation of the treasurer, Col. H. S. Rus- 
sell, late Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry, was attached to the bureau 
of employment. D. S. Walker, Superintendent of tlie Bureau, and 



502 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

Soldiers' Messenger Corps, gives among the very interesting facts 
of its history the subjoined number of applications up to De- 
cember, 1865. Registered, 2,132 : of these, 311 had lost the use of 
a limb, 83 wounded in various parts of the body, and 247 disabled 
by disease. Employment was furnished to 701, of whom 91 had 
useless limbs, 25 otherwise injured by wounds, and 106 wrecked 
by sickness. The Soldiers' Messenger Corps was another enter- 
prise of great value to the unemployed soldiery. The colored 
soldiers more readily than others found places of employment, 
Mr. Walker states, because they so easily adapted themselves to 
whatever labor was offered them. 
Reported Surgeon Dale, — 

The sick and wounded, thi-ough the liberality and kindness of the Trustees 
of the Massachusetts General Hospital, were admitted into that institution, 
kindly cared for, and the amount of cost remitted to the State. 

The eleo-ant mansion in Peraberton Square, belonging to our esteemed and 
respected fellow-citizen, R. M. Mason, Esq., was generously offered to the 
Government for a United-States General Hospital ; Acting Assistant Surgeon 
W. E. Townsend, U.S.A., being in charge. 

In every emergency, where official attention was rendered to the sick and 
wounded, I have had the cordial co-operation of the Assistant Quartermaster 
U.S.A., Capt. William W. McKim, and the Commissary of Subsistence, 
Col. E. D. Brighara, my relations with whom have always been of the most 
satisfactory and pleasant character. . . . 

I should do injustice to my own feelings if I failed to acknowledge my 
indebtedness to the officers of the Relief Agency, established at 76, King- 
ston Street, where many of our sick and wounded soldiers have been lodged " 
and provided with every thing necessary for their comfort, and where private 
beneficence has cheerfully supplied the wants of those who were unable to 
claim consideration either of the State or Federal Government. 

We complete the record of the medical department with a few 
paragraphs from Gov. Andrew's address to the graduating class 
of the Medical School in the University of Cambridge, March 9, 
1864, which present eloquently the noble service, often gratui- 
tous, rendered by the profession : — 

I claim for the Commonwealth the honor of having put into the mili- 
tary service a medical staff, up to this day consisting, in all, of one hun- 
dred and one surgeons and one hundred and ninety-eight assistant surgeons, 
comprising some men of the most eminent merit, of noble patriotism, of dis- 
tinguished professional acquirements and skill. To your profession, gentle- 
men, belongs the honor of famishing an array of proficients so numerous and 



DE. LUTHER V BELL. 593 

respectable ; and to one of its members, in whom are united tbe cbaracters 
of the amiable gentleman, tbe good physician, and the patriotic citizen, — I 
mean the Surgeon-General of the Commonwealth,* — and to those other emi- 
nent and most liberal-minded exemplars of your calling who have contributed 
to the State, in the capacity of a Board of Examiners,! their invaluable ser- 
vice, — to them belongs tbe credit of the selection. And, besides the three 
hundred members of the medical staff of our regiments, more than one hun- 
dred gentlemen of the profession, including some of the most distinguished 
practitioners of surgery, have been sent forwai-d from the headquarters of the 
Commonwealth, on notice from the Department of War, to repair to the 
battle-ground after some of our severest actions. They obeyed our summons 
without hesitation or delay, and gave their efforts and theii' skill while the 
pressing character of a grave exigency continued to need them, receiving no 
reward but that priceless compensation, — the thought of a good man's duty 
nobly done. 

Eight gentlemen of those who entered the service from this Common- 
wealth, commissioned on our regimental staffs, have yielded up their lives, 
victims to disease, exposure, and over-toil. To one of them, who was among 
the earliest in the spring of 1861 to offer himself to the work, I must allude 
by name. I can never forget the impression his original offer of service, 
made in person, produced on my own mind. Of mature age, — having passed 
the time when exposure to life in the array could often be expected, — 
of ripe and large experience in some of the most difficult and the most intel- 
lectual duties of the profession, the possessor of a fame permanent and wide, 
a man of great ability and of large acquirements, Dr. Luther V Bell came 
out at once from the retirement and comparative leisure his former labors 
had richly earned. With youthful ardor, but with the grave and weighty 
sense of a thoughtful, matured, and philosophic mind, he proposed for him- 
self the hardest and most active service ; pointed to his younger brethren the 
path of duty and honor, and led the way. In camp, on the march, in hos- 
pital, and on the field, he was alike a model of earnest fidelity, of accom- 
plished ability, of modest patience, and of that subordination of self to duty 
which renders a great man entirely great. In many instances, our surgeons 
have suffered the hardships of prisoners of war ; the wounded and dying 
been deprived their aid ; and five of our own medical staff, falling upon 
the battle-field, have breathed their last breath by the side of those they 
had come to rescue or relieve. Thus eight by diseases incident to the 

* Dr. William J. Dale. 

t The members of the Medical Commission, from the time of its constitution iu April, 
1861, as a Board of Examiners of Candidates for Appointment as Surgeons and Assistant 
Surgeons of the Massachusetts Volunteer Regiments, to this date, are as follows : Dr. 
James Jackson (resigned); Dr. George Hayward (died); Dr. S. D. Townsend; Dr. 
John Ware (resigned); Dr. Samuel G. Howe (resigned); Dr. J. Mason Warren; 
Dr. Samuel Cabot, jun.; Dr. Richard M. Hodges; Dr. George H. Lyman (resigned); 
Dr. George H. Gay; Dr. William J. Dale; Dr. John C. Dalton (died); Dr. Robert 
W. Hooper; Dr. Samuel L. Abbot. 
75 



594 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

exposures of military employment, and five by the perils of battle, — 
thirteen medical officers ^ from our own Commonwealth, — during these three 
years of war, have laid down their lives, giving to their country and to man- 
kind the last pledge of patriotism, valor, and conscientious devotion to the 
behests of duty. Others, not a few, broken in health, disabled for such ex- 
acting labors, responsibilities, and exposures, have been relieved in season to 
permit their return in civil life to less perilous spheres of usefulness. 

I mijst not omit to mention that three of our staff-surgeons have been 
relieved to accept positions more exclusively military. One is a major of cav- 
alry ; another is a captain ; and the third f accepted a lieutenancy of cavalry, 
only to die by an accidental injury received in the line of his duty before ho 
reached the field. Another Massachusetts physician, who had passed through 
the war of the Crimea as a surgeon of Omar Pacha, entered the First Regi- 
ment of Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers as a captain ; afterwards com- 
manded the Thirty-fifth as its colonel ; lost an arm at the battle of South 
Mountain; and is now in command at Norfolk, Va., as a brigadier-general 
of volunteers. 

Two of the members of the Medical Commission of this Commonwealth 
have died while in its service, — Dr. George Hay ward and Dr. John C. 
Dalton. The former, an eminent surgeon, a member of the corporation of 
the University, was among the earliest of the 'medical men who came to the 
assistance of the State, and among the most constant, upright, and efficient. 

* The names of these medical officers, and the corps to which they wei-e attached, are as 
follows : — 

Died from disease or accident, in the line of their duty. — Dr. Johnson Clarke, Sui-geon's 
Mate Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, detailed as Surgeon of battalion 
Massachusetts troops at Fortress Monroe, subsequently oi-ganized as Twenty-Ninth Regi- 
ment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Luther V Bell, Surgeon Eleventh Regi- 
ment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, promoted to be Brigade Surgeon of Volunteers, 
afterwards to be Medical Director of Gen. Hooker's division. Dr. Ephraim K. Sanborn, 
Surgeon Thirty-first Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Ariel J. Cummings, 
Surgeon Forty-second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, captured at Galveston ; 
held as prisoner by the rebels ; died in a rebel prison. Dr. Robert Ware, Surgeon Forty- 
fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Assistant Surgeon Neil K. Gunn, 
First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infiintry. Assistant Surgeon James Wightman, 
Second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Assistant Surgeon Nathaniel W. 
French, Fifty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. 

Killed b 11 the encmij. — Surgeon S. Foster Haven, jun.. Fifteenth Regiment Massachu- 
setts Volunteer Infantry. Assistant Surgeon Albert A. Kendall, Twelfth Regiment Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Assistant Surgeon Jolm C. Hill, Nineteenth Regiment 
Massachusetts Volunteer Infiintry, died in hospital from wounds received on the battle-field. 
Assistant-Surgeon Edward H. Revere, Twentieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer 
Infantry. Assistant Surgeon Franklin L. Hunt, Twenty-seventh Regiment Massachu- 
setts Volunteer Infantry ; killed by a rebel assassin. 

Besides these, Dr. E. G. Pierce of Holyoke, and Dr. J. H. Morse of Lawrence, em- 
ployed in the service of the United States as contract-surgeons, died of disease contracted 
in the line of their duty; and Dr. James M. Newhall of Sutton, engaged in the same 
service, was drowned in a chivalrous attempt to rescue some women and children from on 
board a sinking transport-vessel. 

t Lieut. Edward B. Mason, Second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry, for- 
merly Assistant Surgeon First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery. 



DRS. DALTON AND WARE. 595 

Dr. Dalton's whole heart, also, was in the national cause. When, in 1862, 
the " Daniel Webster " steamed into port with two hundred wounded soldiers 
on board, happening to be aware of their arrival, he reported to the Surgeon- 
General with cordial offers of help. "What can I do for you, doctor?" 
he asked. He was answered, " Jump on to the box of this ambulance, and 
help me see these wounded soldiers to the hospital." The venerable patriot, 
ready to give his heart and hand and distinguished professional aid wherever 
the exio-ency of the moment called for him, mounted the box, and rode up 
State S'treet with his charge. I have heard of much younger and inferior 
men, whose sense of their own personal dignity would be contented with 
nothing less than the leading hand in a capital operation. 

Another * (whose family name is eminent in divinity as he has himself 
made it in medicine), having given his son to his countiy (the noble-hearted 
suro-eon of the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, who died at his post 
in North Carolina) , was compelled to retire from the commission ; though 
he cannot withdraw from the public memory, nor its honor and gratitude. 

The sum devoted by the State to chanties and reforms, during 
the year 1865, was five hundred thousand dollars. 

♦ Dr. .John Ware. 



CHAPTER V. 
THE CHURCHES AND THE CLERGY IN THE WAR. 

Sanction and Co-operation of the Church. — The New-England Conference of the Method- 
ist-Episcopal Church. — Prostestant-Episcopal Church. — American Unitarian Asso- 
ciation. — The General Association of the Congregational Ministry of Massachusetts. 
— The Massachusetts Universalist Convention. — The Massachusetts Baptist Conven- 
tion. — Chaplains supplied by various Churches. 

WHILE the outbreak of rebellion found an indignant reply 
in the patriotism of the people, tliat patriotism lacked none 
of the sanctions of religion. The churches were not only inspired by 
the duty of maintaining the authority of a mild and legal govern- 
ment : they felt that the iniquity of the rebellion was a sin against 
God. The foundation of the rebel government, human slavery, 
and the war, begun solely to maintain that relic of heathen barba- 
rism, called out the protest of an insulted Christianity. The time 
had long passed when any considerable number of Christians had 
apologized for slaveholding, and rare was the church or man who 
hesitated to avow that that system was a blot upon a Christian 
nation. When, therefore, the traitors, in their infatuation, opened 
war in a foolish, criminal determination to perpetuate that insti- 
tution, the voice of the churches was instantly heard. 

In Massachusetts, from the days of the Pilgrims, the ministers 
of Christ had not hesitated to apply the rules of Christian principle 
to great public movements. As, in the days of the Revolution, the 
pulpits of Massachusetts had nerved the hearts of the people, and 
sent their influence into the camps of the soldiery ; so, in 1861, the 
churches resounded with appeals in behalf of loyalty, and enforced 
the Christian duty of the hour. Hundreds of such appeals, printed 
in answer to the demand of loyal hearts, are already placed in 
libraries which collect their historic materials of the history of 
the war. In every special emergency, such words were spoken ; 
on every success, praise was given to God ; and, in every dark 
period. Christian hope was strengthened by the sturdy faith of the 
ministers of God. 

Connected with many of the churches were associations to 

596 



THE METHODIST-EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 597 

furnish or procure and send forward supplies to the army. 
Many such were constant in' helping the Sanitary Commission; 
and many, by contributions of money taken in congregations and 
by work, replenished the treasury and storehouses of the Chris- 
tian Commission. In connection with the latter, hundreds of 
ministers and lawyers labored for brief and regular seasons 
among the soldiers in the held ; ministers, the best and truest 
whicli Massachusetts aiforded, being given the time by their 
churches. In all the Christian ways devised, by men, by religious 
papers and books, as well as by the material helps needed, the 
churches were unbounded in their labor. In many parishes, the 
fourth sabbath evening in every month was also specially set 
apart for public prayer in behalf of the country and of the army ; 
and, when great exigencies demanded immediate help for the 
wounded, sabbath-services were occupied by immediate appeals 
to patriotism; and, before the sabbath sun set, immense quan- 
tities of supplies were gathered, and made ready to go forward. 

Most of the various ecclesiastical bodies, representing the sev- 
eral churches or denominations, put on record their sentiments. 
Some of these should be copied. 

Tlie New-England Conference of the Methodist - Episcopal 
Church, covering by far the larger part of the State, at the 
conference of 18G2 said, — 

In the unanimity with which the South have madly rushed into this unprovoked 
rebeUion, we recognize a judicial blindness righteously visited upon them for 
their siu in cherishing slavery ; and that in the calamity of civil war which has 
been brought upon us as a people, perilling our national existence, we 
behold the same retributive justice upon us for our national complicity with 
slavery. . . . 

With equal clearness, we see the hand of God in mercy, no less in giving 
us in this time of trial a President whose integrity and patriotism command 
the universal confidence and respect of the loyal people, than in the heroic 
devotion of our array and navy, and in the victories which have crowned their 
onward march. 

Deeply as we deprecate the evils of civil war, we devoutly pray that this 
struggle may never be ended by the Government humiliating itself to a com- 
promise with this great foe of God and humanity by which it is assailed. . . . 

The principles of Christianity and the economy of our church bind us to 
recognize the Constitution of the United States, as, under divine authority, the 
supreme law of the land ; and that, by all the sanctions of our sacred oflBce, we 
are bound to uphold the national ensign. 

Said the conference of 1863, — 



598 MASSACHUSETTS IX THE REBELLION. 

What we can but regard as a most causeless and demoniac rebellion has 
been raging with relentless fury in our land, ... A rebellion we had fondly 
hoped could have been broken and subdued ere this still rears its iron front 
of defiance, and tramples upon all rightful authority in our land. . . . We 
rejoice in, and hail as a measure of righteousness and fraught with great 
good, the Emancipation Proclamation. . . . We look with confidence that that 
noble edict will stand unshaken, and be maintained all over our country. . . . 
We express our firm confidence in the integrity, enlightened patriotism, and 
far-seeing statesmanship, of our present Chief Magistrate. . . . We tender oui: 
cordial greeting to our brethren who have been called to the active duties of 
the camp and the field, and assure them of our warmest sympathies in their 
trials, our admiration of their courage and patriotism, and our best wishes and 
fervent prayers for their safety, happiness, and success. 

Said the conference in 18G4, — 

While patriotism and other material resources are being so wonderfully ex- 
hibited in these eventful times, and our army and navy are assuming pro- 
portions alarming all the world, sagacious statesmen and Christian patriots will 
be careful to lay anew the foundations of the Government in eternal truth and 
right while the furnace-fires of war render them plastic. 

In 1865, the conference recognized " with profound gratitude 
and reverence the manifest interposition of Divine Providence on 
behalf of our Government, in its successful struggle with a rebel- 
lion of unexampled atfocity and strength ; " recorded its con- 
gratulations upon the " recuperative energy of the nation " and 
the extinction of slavery ; and declared in favor of the position, 
that " the right of suffrage shall be accorded, without distinction 
of color." 

Hardly had hostilities commenced, when the Protestant-Epis- 
copal Church in the Diocese of Massachusetts held its annual con- 
vention, in May, 1861. The bishop in his address spoke of the 
revolutionary purposes evident, and denounced the nefarious re- 
belhon. 

"I cannot refrain from congratulating you," said the bishop in 
1862, '• upon the success with which a gracious Providence has 
crowned thus far the armies of the Union in their conflict with 
the perpetrators of this rebellion." 

In 1SG3, the bishop, referring to the proceedings of the General 
Convention of the Church, said, — 

But the most important of all the acts — this act of expressing our fealty to 
the Government — was the issuing of the Pastoral Letter by this same house 



THE EPISCOPAL AND UNITARIAN CHURCHES. 599 

of bishops. A masterly doeuiuent it is, representing this stupendous insur- 
rection as a criminal violation of God's law, and strengthening its positions 
by reference not only to the Bible, but to the pungent homily of our 
church against rebellion. For all this we have reason to thank God. For 
surely, if, in this hour of the countiy's distress and peril, such a church as 
ours, at the solemn gathering of its bishops and representatives, had failed to 
proclaim its sympathy with the universal heart of the nation, and, amidst the 
groans and tears and agonies of a bleeding people, had either shut its lips 
in silence, or expressed itself in ambiguous and undecided language, we should 
have had just reason to hide our heads in shame. 

For the recent mercy of God (said the bishop in 1864), in giving signal and 
important victories to the arms of the United States, let us devoutly thank his 
holy name. Let us, however, remember in love the wounded thousands 
among our soldiery and among the legions of our misguided enemies. 

What a blessed change (said he in 1865) has passed over the affairs of this 
afflicted country ! and what grounds have its inhabitants, and we among the 
number, for overflowing gratitude to God at the sight of a most wicked 
rebellion at length defeated, its military power broken, and the dawn appear- 
ing of what, we trust, will, ere long, be a bright day of union restored, 
of the renewal of the arts of peace, and of the blotting-out of human bondage 
from every portion of the national territory ! 

The Unitarian churches of Massachusetts have no State organi- 
zation ; but at the convention of the American Unitarian Asso- 
ciation that met for business-purposes in Boston on the 28th of 
May, 1861, their secretary most truly said, — 

The Unitarian churches have everywhere been prompt to do their part in 
this crisis, and to take up their share of the national burdens. The first regiment 
that went from Massachusetts — the noble Sixtli, that will hereafter be famed 
in history for its passage through Baltimore — had in its ranks as chaplain 
one of our Unitarian ministers (Rev. Charles Babbidge of Pepperell), who 
went with theni through those blood-stained streets, and was witli those who 
fell in that first sacrifice on the altar of our national freedom. . . . 
We are also being permitted, as a denomination, to do our full share at the 
present time in furnishing counsellors at Washington. . . . Massachu- 
setts sends one of our Unitarian brethren as minister to England in this 
critical period of our history ; . . . and IMassachusetts has placed in 
her chair of State one whom all honor to-day, and who has been, from his boy- 
hood up, one of our Unitarian friends and brothers. Let us be thankful, 
that, out of our small numbers and our feeble means, we have been able to con- 
tribute more than our share of men who are aUe to meet the demands of the 
time, and to help us to finish the work which God has given us all to do. 

There is hardly a parish in New England (said the committee in 1863), 
of our denomination, which has not sent into the army some of its best mem- 



600 MASSACHUSETTS Ilf THE REBELLION. 

bers. . . • While such men are away, the parishes suffer. Some of 
them will never return, and for years their loss will be felt. • ■ • 

The spirit of loyalty and humanity also pervaded the Congre- 
gational churches. 

The General Association of the Congregational Ministry of Massachusetts 
(said this body in 1862) cannot allow itself to adjourn without putting on 
its record an expression of deep sympathy with the President of the United 
States in this day of our nation's trial, and without tendering to him, in the name 
of the Christian people whom we represent, the assurance of our earnest and 
constant prayers, that the Ruler of nations and the Cod of all grace may so 
endow him, and all associated with him in the carrying-on of our national 
aflFairs, with the spirit of wisdom and the love of freedom, and with confidence in 
the everlasting safety of well-doing, and so further our Federal councils and 
arms with his continual help, that treason may be speedily baffled, rebellion 
crushed, slavery abolished ; and " so the work of righteousness may be peace ; 
and the eifect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever." 

The existing civil war (said the General Conference of the churches of the 
same denomination in September, 1861) in which the American people are 
unhappily involved is one which has been forced upon the Government of the 
United States by the insurrection and rebellion of the people of certain South- 
ern States against constitutional liberty and the sovereignty of the Republic ; 
and is one which, waged without cause or justification, is a crime alike against 
government, religion, and humanity. ... No other course is left to the 
people of the loyal States than firmly to stand by the Government and na- 
tionality, at whatever cost, until the Rebellion is put down, and the laws 
restored in their integrity. 

While we acknowledge our entire dependence upon God for the triumph of 
our Government (this conference said in 1862), we believe that God will 
secure this result through appropriate human agencies ; and therefore we look 
for a complete and permanent restoration of union and peace to our country, 
and for the removal of slavery, the chief source of this Rebellion. . . . 
We believe that we express the uiaanimous feeling of our churches in this 
State when we pledge our loyal support and sympathy to the President of 
these United States in the most vigorous measures for the suppression of the 
Rebellion. 

The successes (said this body in September, 1863) with which the Lord of 
hosts has recently crowned our arms upon the land and upon the sea call for 
and awaken in our hearts devout gratitude to our fathers' God and ours ; and 
that in view of what he has done for us towards suppressing the most wicked 
rebellion in human history, as well as the justice of our cause, we are encour- 
aged to pray that the blessing of Heaven may attend the efforts of our Govern- 
ment. . . . We tender to the President of the United States our most cordial 
sympathy : we have confidence in his wisdom and integrity. 

Without one feeling either of despondency or of impatience (said the con- 



THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 601 

ferencG in 1864), wo watch the progress of the. armies of the Union in putting 
down the most criminal rebellion the world ever saw, — without despondency, 
for we believe God is on our side, and will give us in due time full and crown- 
ing success ; and without impatience, for we have been instructed to interpret 
hopefully these divine delays, and have seen the issue ever widening, and em- 
bracing more and more radical and precious revolutions and deliverances. 

We stand to-day (said the conference in 1865) upon the threshold of a 
new period, if possible still more momentous than the last. We deem it fit to 
record these acknowledgments and solemn convictions with reference to our 
country. 

The Massachusetts Universalist Convention, at its session held 
in October, 1862,— 

Resolved, That in the present uprising of the people of this country against 
the gigantic and dark Rebellion, under which intense suffering is so widely 
spread throughout our land, we see but a mighty struggle between freedom 
and oppression ; and we tender our heartiest sympathies, and pledge our 
unreserved support, to the Government, until the RebeUion is completely 
crushed. 

In 1863, the convention 

Resolved, That the present civil war in our land opens a wide and highly 
important field of Christian labor for our denomination ; and while we are re- 
joiced to hear that our people have done and are doing much, individually, to 
encourage the soldier and sustain the Government, we feel that a call is made 
for a more concerted and denominational action. 

Whereas (unanimously said the convention in 1864), The evil passions of 
men have stimulated the Southern States to seek the overthrow of this National 
Government, and establish another whose corner-stone shall be a repudiation 
of the laws of God regarding human brotherhood, and in the interests thereof 
have instituted and carried forward a bloody, civil war : therefore 

Resolved, That, as a denomination of Christians, we rejoice in the pros- 
pects of peace foreshadowed in the triumph of the Union arms. 

Resolved, That we witness with gratitude the destruction of slavery as one 
of the results of this civil strife. 

Resolved, That our most hearty thanks are due to the brave men of the 
army and navy ; and we cheerfully accord their memory a high place in the 
future history of American independence. 

Resolved, That our word of encouragement is hereby given to the Govern- 
ment in its work for the preservation of the Union ; and we bid its civil officers 
God speed in the vigorous prosecution of the war till the last traitor is sub- 
dued, and the people everywhere acknowledge their highest allegiance, under 
God, to be due to the Government of the United States. 

Resolved (said the committee in 18(Jo), That every principle of Christiani- 
ty, as well as the letter and spirit of the Declaration of Independence, demands 
thlt the colored men of this country, many of whom have fought so nobly for 
76 



602 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

the rights of man, shall have secured to them the full rights of citizenship, 
especially of equal suffrage ; and that it is the imperative duty of our press 
and all our pulpits to urge this subject upon the attention and consideration 
of our people. 

The Massachusetts Baptist Couvention, meethig in October, 
1861, adopted the following: — 

Whereas, During the past year, God has brought our great civil war to a 
triumphant issue, securing to the nation its integrity, to an enslaved race its 
freedom, and to the world a signal manifestation of the strength of our repub- 
lican institutions : therefore 

Resolved, That we, the Massachusetts Baptist Convention, assembled on 
its sixty-third anniversary, render to Almighty God devout praise and thanks- 
giving through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Resolved, That as members of the body of Christ, and citizens of this 
Republic, we recognize no civil or moral distinction of race or color either 
in the Church or State. 

Resolved, That, in the work of political and religious reconstruction, we are 
ready to extend the hand of fraternal welcome to all who give unmistakable 
evidence of present loyalty to our Government and to Christ. 

Resolved, That, in regard to the disputed subject of political franchise in 
the several States, we are willing to leave the whole matter where the National 
Constitution leaves it ; claiming that, in its truest intent, it guarantees the 
same rights and privileges to all living under it, of whatever race or color. 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the Church of Christ to sound the trum- 
pet of the gospel " through all the land, to all the inhabitants thereof; pro- 
claiming their liberty to a race freed from the shackles of slavery, not freed 
from the shackles of prejudice." 

Resolved, That, in the future as in the past, it is our duty to fold our 
country to our hearts, and to continue to pray to Him who is too wise to 
err, and too good to be unkind, to give his guidance to our Chief Magistrate, 
and those in council with him ; and so to order events, that the largest liberty 
consistent with wholesome laws shall be enjoyed by the whole people of this 
regenerated Republic. 

At the meeting held in October, 1864, the Convention said, — 

Resolved, That the Rebellion of 1861, which began its work by attempting 
the destruction of the Government of our fathers, and has sought to accom- 
plish its unholy ends by an appeal to the arbitrament of the sword, is a 
transgression of God's law, a violation of the stipulations under which every 
American holds his citizenship, a contradiction of every logical principle, and 
wanting; in all the elements of a legal existence. 

Resolved, That as the war was commenced for the purpose of building up 
a confederacy whose leading idea was, that property in man should be a part 
of its organic life, we believe that no peace should be negotiated, nor recon- 



THE BAPTIST CHURCU. — CHAPLAINS. 603 

struetion made, which cannot look to the speedy, sure, and final destruction of 
that which has been the cause of so large a part of our woes ; namely, Ameri- 
can slavery. 

Resolved, That, standing by the graves of our fathers who fought the bat- 
tles of the Revolution, and won for us the priceless heritage which has given 
us civil, political, and religious liberty ; and by the newly made graves of our 
brethren, sons, and neighbors, who have poured out their blood like water, — 
we, the members of the Massachusetts Baptist Convention, on its sixty-second 
anniversary, pledge ourselves as ministers of Jesus, the disciples of Christ, 
and citizens of the Republic, to give to the President of the United States, 
and those in authority, our sympathies, prayers, and eftbrts, to aid them in the 
suppression of this most causeless and unjustifiable Rebellion. 

Many ministers were sent to the hospitals and the field, while 
not a few went for short periods of service in the employ of the 
Christian Commission, and some were sent by other organizations. 
The character and number of the chaplains appointed to the sev- 
eral regiments ought never to be forgotten. While some may 
have proved unfitted for the peculiar work, the great majority 
were of the best men Massachusetts could furnish. A record of 
these is in the official reports. Some prominent churches lent 
their pastors ; such as the Old South in Boston, Rev. J. M. Man- 
ning ; the Park-street in Boston, Rev. Dr. A. L. Stone; the 
Church of the Pilgrim Fathers in Plymouth, Rev. E. B. Hall,— 
all for the nine-months' service. Many of the chaplains were 
prostrated by disease, and forced to leave the field. Indeed, 
few were able to fulfil a whole term of service. The church of 
Rev. W. H. Cudworth, of East Boston, chaplain of the First 
Infantry, gave him leave of absence for the entire period : his 
faithfulness and zeal were samples of many others. Rev. A. 
H. Quint, of Jamaica Plain, chaplain of the Second Infantry, 
was another. 

Rev. N. M. Gaylord of the Thirteenth Infantry, and the chap- 
lain of Campbell Hospital in Washington, was untiring during 
the whole war in every good work. Rev. Charles Babbidge 
of Pepperell, of the Twenty-sixth Infantry, who went with the 
First Regiment, which left the State in April, 1861, Chaplain 
Morse of the Thirty-seventh, and Chaplain French of the Thirty- 
ninth, were also devoted to their work. 

Some gave their lives. Rev. A. B. Fuller fell at Fredericksburg. 
Chaplain Carver of the Seventh, and Chaplain Hempstead of the 
Twenty-ninth, also died in service: they fell as nobly as any 
who died upon the battle-field. 



CHAPTER VI. 
THE COLLEGES IN THE WAR. 

President Lincoln's significant Words. — Intelligence of the Union Army. — Preparatory 
Training for the Conflict. — A forcible Extract. — Loyalty of our Colleges. — Harvard 
University. — Williams College. — Amherst College. — Other Institutions. 

PRESIDENT LINCOLN remarked, in a letter written to the 
President of the College of New Jersey in the midst of the 
war, " Thonghtfnl men must feel that the fate of civilization upon 
this continent is involved in the issue of our contest. Among the 
most gratifying proofs of this conviction is the hearty devotion 
everywhere exhibited by our schools and colleges to the national 
cause." It is unquestionably safe to say, that, since wars began, 
no conflict previous to the Rebellion could compare with it in the 
intelligence, or, still stranger, the culture, which pervaded tlie 
Union armies : and the same may be said of the moral condition 
of our troops ; so tliat, whether we look at them in regard either to 
physical, intellectual, or moral strength, they compel our admira- 
tion, they prove to us the true value of our civil and religious 
institutions, and that no sacrifice is too great for their preserva- 
tion. 

Although men may not perceive it at the time, God prepares 
the people for great events. With Him who holds the nations in 
the hollow of his hand, events do not happen ; and so, unknown 
to ourselves, so far as the bearing upon coming events was con- 
cerned, the angel of the Lord had passed over the North ; and in 
the great religious awakening of 1857-58, and in the results flow- 
ing from it, the minds of men had, even unconsciously to them- 
selves, been made sensitive to the demands of truth, humanity, and 
an enlightened Christian patriotism. An intelligent writer has 
well said, — 

If there ever was a war in which liberal and enlightened views were opposed 
to a re-actionary and barbarous policy, it was the war in which we have just 
been engaged. No people but a people of general education and intelligence, 
like those of the Northern States, could ever, under a popular form of govern- 

604 



HABVARD COLLEGE. 605 

ment like ours, have carried it tliroagb to a successful issue. Undoubtedly 
it was a war which should have enlisted the support of the people simply on 
the ground of patriotism. Still it was a war in many respects so unlike the 
contests which have been carried through successfully by the simple influence 
of patriotic feeling, that among a population of less general intelligence, and 
containing fewer men of liberal education, there would have been hardly a 
hope of success. 

It might well have been expected that the farmer, the mechanic, 
the tradesman, the men of " the plough, the loom, and the anvil," 
would rush to arms at the call of the Government ; and it was a 
grand uprising when these men, fired with true patriotism, seized 
the musket, ready " to do or die " for their country. But we saw 
more than this. The professor left his chair, the student his class, 
or, as in some instances, the class went en masse : and Homeric 
contests yielded to a sterner warfare ; and the mathematics of text- 
books, to the practical work of the held. Academic honors were 
but as the dust in the balance, when the life of the nation was in 
peril. No offering was too precious to be laid on the common altar ; 
and graduates and undergraduates, officers and students, from all 
our colleges, East and West, enlisted in the service, marching in 
the ranks or leading the columns, fighting shoulder to shoulder, 
and falling side by side, in every battle from Bull Run until Lee 
yielded up his sword to the victorious Union commander. 

Old Harvard nobly vindicated her historic fame, and the fire of 
her patriotic enthusiasm spread over the Commonwealth. Her 
response to the call for men was prompt and generous. 

The class of 1825 furnished Rear- Admiral C. H. Davis. The 
number of men in the war from the succeeding classes was five 
hundred and thirty, whether graduates or not. 

The following is a statement of the rank of the Harvard students 
and graduates in the army. Major-generals, two ; major-generals 
by brevet, seven ; brigadier-generals, five ; brigadier-generals by 
brevet, seven ; colonels, twenty-seven ; colonels by brevet, three ; 
lieutenant-colonels, twenty ; lieutenant-colonel by brevet, one ; 
majors, thirty-nine ; majors by brevet, seven ; captains, a hundred 
and eight ; captains by brevet, two ; first lieutenants, seventy- 
four ; second lieutenants, twenty -four ; surgeons, thirty-two ; as- 
sistant surgeons, ten ; chaplains, four ; other officers, nine ; pri- 
vates and non-commissioned officers, a hundred and fifty-four, 
of whom many were promoted. Some of the departed heroes of 
Harvard will be found in the roll of the honored dead. 

We regret exceedingly that we have not been able to get the 



606 MASSACHUSETTS m THE REBELLION. 

waiM-ecord of old Williams, which sits grandly among the moun- 
tains of Berkshire. 

A very full one was prepared, lent to a leading New-York 
daily paper, and lost. We only know that the spirit of '76 
pervaded its halls when the civil conflict opened, and the religious 
element which has always distinguished the college fired the 
patriotism of her sons. The annals of some of these will be found 
among the sketches of " fallen heroes." 

Amherst, whose eyry among the green hills looks down upon 
the unrivalled Valley of the Connecticut, and magnificent land- 
scapes upon every side, needed no more than the sound of the 
clarion of war to make her ready to offer her sons. With a 
Faculty unsurpassed in ability and Christian patriotism, it is not 
strange that the revered president's son and a popular professor 
should be among the prompt volunteers for the national conflict. 
Like Williams, Amherst has ever been distinguished for deep 
religious character, the highest style of scholarship, manhood, and 
loyalty. 

By the records, we find that this institution contributed to the 
strength of the national armies twenty-two chaplains, and a 
hundred and ninety-two officers and privates ; Prof. Clarke being 
one of the number. 

Among these men of Amherst, from Massachusetts, were the 
brave, modest, and devout Lucius L. Merrick of Palmer ; Chris- 
topher Pennell, who fell "far in front of the column" in the 
assault which followed the springing of the mine at Petersburg, 
Aug. 16, 1864, a hero of the highest style ; and John Marshall 
Whitney of Hopkinton, assistant surgeon in the navy. 

From Tufts College, a young but growing institution, we have 
failed to get a report : that she did her part in the war for free- 
dom, we cannot doubt. 

Among the classical tributaries of established reputation to the 
colleges, the Boston Latin School, and Phillips iVcademy, An- 
dover, have furnished a thousand men or more for the war ; the 
latter having on her roll several hundred, including every grade 
from the major-general to the hero of tlie rank and file. 



CHAPTER VII. 

MASSACHUSETTS POETS AND THE WAR. 

Poets, the Bards of Freedom. — Rev. John Pierpont. — John G. Whittier. — Oliver Wendell 
Holmes. — Henry W. Longfellow. — Mrs. Howe's Battle-hymn of the Republic. — James 
T. Fields. — Gen. Lander. — S. Burnham, Esq. — The Press, and General Literature. 

THE spirit of poetry is the spirit of freedom ; aud in all the struggles which 
mark the pages of history, where the cause of human rights has been 
brought in collision with oppression and injustice, the poet's heart has beat 
true to noble impulses, and has interpreted the highest aspirations of the soul. 
The mind of man cannot be fettered. Tyranny may restrain the body : but it 
cannot reach that which constitutes the man ; it cannot seize that inner self 
where the soul sings its songs of freedom undismayed. Thus it is, that, with 
few exceptions, the educated minds of the world have been identified with 
the cause of popular rights, with the best interests of humanity : they have 
been the leading revolutionary, re-actionary spirits, always striving for some- 
thing higher, nobler, more sublime. 

This is emphatically true of poets. In the long contest for the supremacy of 
human rights, they have tuned their harps to lofty strains, inspiring the people 
with a higher enthusiasm and enduring patience, a never-dying hope. 

Trumbull, Paine, Hopkinson, Freeman, and others of the youthful days 
of the Republic, wielded a power with their verses which was not less real, 
though different in nature, than that of the sword and musket. They were 
both the admirers and the admiration of the sturdy patriots. 

It would have been indeed remarkable if the late Rebellion had not been it 
fruitful source of poetry ; for the great principles underlying the contest were 
those of truth and humanity, of liberty, of equal rights. 

A glance through the newspapers and publications of the last four years 
shows that the pen has been no less active than the sword. The minds of 
our thinking men and of our poets rose immediately to the grandeur of tho 
struggle ; and, while bayonets gleamed, thoughts flashed. But aside from the 
contest and its origin and principles was another producing cause. Never 
before in the history of man was there a war in which the actors and the 
supporters were so intelligent and well educated. 

And here we must claim the precedence for Massachusetts. The Old Bay 
State holds the advance-guard of thought as she does of action ; and who will 
deny her claim to literary pre-eminence ? But we would speak of her poetry 

607 



608 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

during the war ; and when we mention Pierpont, Whittier, Hohnes, Long- 
fellow, Lowell, and a host of others, can any other State show such a brilliant 
galaxy of shining names ? Would that it were possible to present all the noble 
poems that would tell of Massachusetts in the Rebellion ! but we can give but a 
few specimens, — simply enough to show how the hearts of our poets beat in 
sympathy with the cause of humanity ; how their stirring, patriotic lines indorsed 
the call to the noble struggle. 

No attempt is made at completeness (the design of this volume precludes 
its possibility) ; and we are conscious that there is many a fine poem, richly 
deserving a place in our pages, which is reluctantly omitted. But the 
quotations made will show that the poets of Massachusetts have honored them- 
selves and their State, and have added fresh laurels to the wreaths of never- 
dying fame.* 

We cannot introduce our selections more appropriately than by quoting from 
the venerable Rev. John Pierpont ; a name identified with the cause of human 
liberty and progress ; one of the champions of Freedom who was a leader, and 
not a follower ; who held and published and spoke his sentiments in those days 
when to be an antislavery man was to be but too often a " hissing and a by- 
word." 

The two poems that follow are from Mr. Pierpont's pen. 



" E PLURIBUS UNUM. 



BY EEV. JOHN PIERPONT. 



1, 

The harp of the minstrel with melody rings 

When the Muses have taught him to touch and to tune it ; 
But, though it may have a full octave of strings, 
To both maker and minstrel the harp is a unit : 
So the Power that creates 
Om' Republic of States 
Into harmony brings them at different dates ; 
And the thirteen or thirty, the Union once done, 
Are E Pluribus Unum, — of many made one. 



The Science that weighs in her balance the spheres. 

And has watched them since first the Chaldean began it, 

Now and then, as she counts them and measures their years, 
Brings into our system and names a new planet ; 

* In selecting poems for this chapter, Messrs. Ticknor and Fields kindly granted permis- 
sion to copy from " The Atlantic Monthly," and other of their publications, such as would 
serve our purpose; and it has been an additional gratification that Holmes, Whittier, and 
•Longfellow specified the pieces they preferred to have used in these pages. Courtesies like 
these are worthy of acknowledgment. 



JOHN PIERPONT.—JOHN G. WniTTIER. 609 

Yet the old and new stars, — 
Venus, Neptune, and ]\Iars, — 
As they drive round tlie sun their invisible cars, 
Whether foster or slower their races they run, 
Are E Plurihm Unum, — of many made one. 

3. 
Of that system of spheres, should but one fly the track, 

Or with others conspire for a general dispersion. 
By the great central orb tliey would all be brought back, 
And held each in her place by a wholesome coercion ; 
Should one daughter of light 
Be indulged in her flight. 
They would all be ingulfed by old^ Chaos and Night : 
So must none of our sisters be suflft-red to run ; 
For E Pluribus Unum, — we all go, if one. 

4. 
Let the demon of discord our melody mar. 

Or Treason's red hand rend our union asunder, 
Break one string from our liarp, or extinguish one star, 
The whole system's ablaze with its lightning and thunder. 
Let the discord be hushed, 
Let the traitors be crushed. 
Though " Legion " their name, all with victory flushed I 
For aye must our motto stand, fronting the sun, 
E Pluribus Unum, — though many, we're ONE. 



PROPHECY. — JULY, 1861. 

This fraticidal war 

Grows on the poisonous tree 
That God and man abhor, — 

Accursed slaver ij ; 
And God ordains that we 

Shall eat this deadly fruit, 
Till we dig up the tree, 

And burn its very root. 



JOHX G. WHITTIEK, 



The Quaker poet, whose heart and ])eu have always been true to the cau^e 
of humanity, has written some of the noblest poems of the war. We haCe 
room but for two, and these he kindly specified for our use. Addition-il iu 
terest attaches to the first from the fact that the singing of it was prohibited 
in Gen. M'Clellan's camp. 



610 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

" EIN FESTE BURG 1ST UNSER GOTT." 
(" Our God is a consuming fire.") 

LUTHER'S IIYMX. 

We wait beneath the furnace-blast 

The pangs of transformation. 
Not painlessly doth God recast 
And mould anew the nation : 
Hot burns the fire 
Where wrongs expire, 
Nor spares the hand 
That from the land 
Uprobts the ancient evil. 

The hand-breadth cloud the sages feared 

Its bloody rain is dropping ; 
The poison-plant the fathers spared 
All else is overtopping. 
East, West, South, North, 
It curses the earth : 
All justice dies. 
And fraud and lies 
Live only in its shadow. 

What gives the wheat-field blades of steel ? 

What points the rebel cannon ? 
'What sets the roaring rabble's heel 
On the old star-spangled pennon ? 
What breaks the oath 
Of the men o' the South ? 
What whets the knife 
For the Union's life ? — 
Hark to the answer : " Slavery 1 " 

Then waste no blows on lesser foes 

In strife unworthj^ freemen : 
God lifts to-day the veil, and shows 
The featui-es of the demon. 
O North and South ! 
Its victims both, 
Can ye not cry, 
" Let slavery die ! " 
And union find in freedom ? 

WTiat though the cast-out spirit tear 

The nation in his going ? 
We who have shared the guilt must share 

The pang of his o'erthrowing. 



JOHN G. WUITTIER. 611 

Whate'er the loss, 
Whate'er the cross, 
Shall they complain 
Of present pain 
Who trust in God's hereafter ? 



For who that leans on His right arm 

AVas ever yet forsaken ? 
What righteous cause can suffer harm 
If He its part has taken ? 
Though wild and loud 
And dark the cloud. 
Behind its folds • 

His hand upholds 
The calm sky of to-morrow. 

Above the maddening cry for blood, 

Above the wild war-drumming, 
Let Freedom's voice be heard, with good 
The evil overcoming. 
Give prayer and purse 
To stay the curse 
Whose wrong we share. 
Whose shame we bear, 
Whose end shall gladden heaven ! 

In vain the bells of war shall ring 

Of triumphs and revenges. 
While still is spared the evil thing 
That severs and estranges. 
But blest the ear 
That yet shall hear 
The jubilant bell 
That rings the knell 
Of slavery forever ! 

Then let the selfish lip be dumb. 

And hushed the breath of sighing : 
Before the joy of peace must come 
The pains of purifying. 
God give us grace 
Each in his place 
To bear his lot, 
And, murmuring not. 
Endure and wait and labor ! 



612 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



LAUS DEO. 

EtBARING THE BELLS RING FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ABOLISHING 

SLAVERY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

It is done ! 

Clang of bell, and roar of gun, 
Send the tidings up and down. 

How the belfries rock and reel ! 
' How the great guns, peal on peal. 
Fling the joy from town to town ! 

Ring, O bells ! — 

Every stroke exulting tells 
Of the burial-hour of crime, — 

Loud and long, that all may hear ; 

Ring for every listening ear 
Of Eternity and Time ! 

Let us kneel : 

God's own voice is in that peal, 
And this spot is holy ground. 

Lord, forgive us 1 AVhat are we, 

That our eyes this gloiy see, 
That our ears have heard the sound ? 

For the Lord 

On the whirlwind is abroad ; 
In the earthquake he has spoken : 

He has smitten with his thunder 

E'en the iron walls asunder. 
And the gates of brass are broken ! 

Loud and long 

Lift the old exulting song ; 
Sing with Miriam by the sea : 

He hath cast the mighty down ; 

Horse and rider sink and drown ; 
He hath triumphed gloriously \ 

Did we dare 

In our agony of prayer 
Ask for more than he has done ? 

When was ever his right hand 

Over any time or land 
Stretched, as now, beneath the sun ? 



How they pale, 
Ancient myth and song and tale, 



OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. 613 

In this wonder of our days, 

When the cruel rod of war 

Blossoms white with righteous law. 
And the wrath of man is praise ! 

Blotted out ! 

All within and all without 
Shall a fresher life begin : 

Freer breathes the universe 

As it rolls its heavy curse 
On the dead and buried sin ! 

It is done ! 

In the circuit of the sun 
Shall the sound thereof go forth : 

It shall bid the sad rejoice ; 

It shall give the dumb a voice ; 
It shall belt with joy the earth ! 

Ring and swing, 

Bells of joy ! on morning's wing 
Send the song of praise abroad ; 

With a sound of broken chains 

Tell the nations that He reigns 
Who alone is Lord and God ! 



OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. 

Two of the happiest of the always happy efforts of this popular author are 
" Brother Jonathan's Lament for Sister Caroline," and " To Canaan." The 
first was written March 25, 18G1, soon after the announcement of the pas- 
sao-e of the Ordinance of Secession by the Committee of South Carolina, 
and doubtless expressed the almost unanimous sentiment of the North at that 
time. The latter appeared anonymously, Aug. 12, 18G2, and was claimed as 
orio-inal by several newspapers in- Western New York, Ohio, and IlHnois. 

BROTHER JONATHAN'S LAMENT FOR SISTER CAROLINE. 

She has gone ; she has left us in passion and pride, — 
Our stormy-browed sister, so long at our side : 
She has torn her own star from our firmament's glow, 
And turned on her brother the face of a foe ! 

O Caroline, Caroline, child of the sun ! 
We can never forget that our hearts have been one ; 
Our forelieads both sprinkled, in Liberty's name, 
From the fountain of blood with the finger of flame ! 



614 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

You were always too ready to fire at a touch : 
But we said, " She is hasty ; she does not mean much." 
We have scowled when you uttered some turbulent threat ; 
But friendship still whispered, " Forgive and forget." 

Has our love all died out ? have its altars grown cold ? 
Has the curse come at last which the fathers foretold ? 
Then Nature must teach us the strength of the chain 
That her petulant children would sever in vain. 

They may fight till the buzzards are gorged with their spoil : 
Till the harvest grows black as it rots In the soil ; 
Till the wolves and the catamounts troop from their caves ; 
And the shark tracks the pirate, the lord of the waves. 

In vain is the strife ! When its fury is past, 
Their fortunes must flow in one channel at last, 
As the torrents that rush from the mountains of snow 
Roll mingled in peace through the valleys below. 

Our Union is river, lake, ocean, and sky : 
Man breaks not the medal when God cuts the die ! 
Though darkened with sulphur, though cloven with steel, 
The blue arch will brighten, the waters will heal. 

O Caroline, Caroline, child of the sun ! 
There are battles with Fate that can never be won. 
The star-flowing banner must never be furled ; 
For its blossoms of light are the hope of the world. 

Go, then, our rash sister ! afar and aloof; 

Run wild In the sunshine away from our roof: 

But when your heart aches, and your feet have grown sore, 

Remember the pathway that leads to our door. 



TO CANAAN. 

A SONG OF THE SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND. 

Where are you going, soldiers, 

With banner, gun, and sword ? 
We're marching south to Canaan, 

To battle for the Lord ! 
What captain leads your armies 

Along the rebel coasts ? 
The Mighty One of Israel : 
His name is Lord of Hosts ! 
To Canaan, to Canaan, 

The Lord has led us forth 
To blow before the heathen walls 
The trumpets of the North 1 



OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. 

What flag is this you carry 
Along the sea and shore ? 
The same our grandsires lifted up, 

The same our fathers bore ! 
Jn many a battle's tempest 
It shed the crimson rain : 
What God has woven in his loom 
Let no man rend in twain ! 
To Canaan, to Canaan, 

The Lord has led us forth 
To plant upon the rebel towers 
The banners of the North ! 

What troop is this that follows, 

All armed with picks and spades ? 
These are the swarthy bondsmen, 

The iron-skin brigades ! 
They'll pile up Freedom's breastwork ; 

They'll scoop out rebels' graves : 
Who, then, will be their owner. 
And march them off for slaves ? 
To Canaan, to Canaan, 

The Lord has led us forth 
To strike upon the captive's chain 
The hammers of the North ! 

What song is this you're singing ? 

The same that Israel sung 
When Moses led the mighty choir, 

And Miriam's timbrel rung ! 
To Canaan, to Canaan, 

The priests and maidens cried : 
To Canaan, to Canaan, 
The people's voice replied. 
To Canaan, to Canaan, 

The Lord has led us forth 
To thunder through its adder-dens 
The anthems of the North ! 

When Canaan's hosts are scattered, 

And all her walls lie flat. 
What follows next in order ? 
The Lord will see to that ! 
We'll break the tyrant's sceptre ; 

We'll build the people's throne : 
When half the world is Freedom's, 
Then all the world's our own ! 
To Canaan, to Canaan, 

The Lord has led us forth 
To sweep the rebel threshing-floors, 
A whirlwind from the North ! 



615 



616 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



HENRY W. LONGFELLOW. 

The loyal North will never forget the thrill that passed over the laud as 
the news Hashed from city to city, and town to town, that " The Cumberland" 
had been sunk in Hampton Koads by the rebel iron-clad ram " Merrimack," on 
Saturday, March 8, 1862 ; nor how the noble sailors fired upon their assailants 
as the waters rose over her gun-deck ; nor how the gallant ship went down with 
colors flying. But we will allow Longfellow to describe it in his own impres- 
sive style. 

THE CUMBERLAND. 

At anchor in Hampton Roads we lay, 

On board " The Cumberland," sloop-of-war ; 
And at times, from the fortress across the bay, 
The alarm of drums swept past, 
Or a bugle-bla!^t 
From the camp on sliore. 

Then for away to the south uprose 

A little feather of snow-white smoke ; 
And we knew that the iron ship of our foes 
Was steadily steering its course 
To try the force 
Of our ribs of oak. 

Down upon us heavily runs, 

Silent and sullen, the floating fort : 
Then comes a puff of smoke from the guns, 
And leaps the terrible death 
With fiery breath 
From each open port. 

We are not idle, but send her straight 

Defiance back in a full broadside ! 
As hail rebounds from a roof of slate, 
Rebounds our heavier hail 
From each iron scale 
Of the monster's hide. 

" Strike your flag ! " the rebel cries 

In his arrogant old plantation-strain. 
" Never ! " our gallant Morris replies : 
" It is better to sink than to yield ! " 
And the whole air pealed 
With the cheers of our men. 



.HENRY W. LONGFELLOW. 617 

Then, like a krakon luige and black, 

She crushed our ribs in her iron grasp ! 
Down went " The Cumberland " all a-Avrack, 
With a sudden shudder of death, 
And the cannon's breath 
For her dying gasp. 

Next morn, as the sun rose over the bay, 

Still floated our flag at the mainmast-head. 
Lord, how beautiful was thy day ! 
Every waft of the air 
Was a whisper of prayer 
In a dirge fbr the dead. 

lie ! brave hearts that went down in the seas ! 

Ye are at peace in the troubled stream. 
IIo ! brave land ! with hearts like these, 
Tiiy flag, that is rent in twain. 
Shall be one again, 
And without a seam. 



kill1':d at the ford. 

He is dead ! — the beautiful youth, 

The heart of honor, the tongue of truth ; 

He, the life and light of us all, 

Whose voice was blithe as a bugle-call ; 

Whom all eyes followed with one consent ; 

The cheer of whose laugh, and whose pleasant word, 

Huj^hed all nmrmurs of discontent. 

Only last night, as we rode along 

Down the dark of the mountain-gap 

To visit the picket-guard at the ford. 

Little dreaming of any misliap, 

He was humming the words of some old song : 

" Two red roses he had on his cap. 

And another he bore on the point of his sword." 

Sudden and swift a whistling ball 
Came out of a wood, and the voice was still : 
Something I heard in the darkness fall, 
And for a moment toy blood grew chill. 
I spake in a whisper, as he who speaks 
In a room where some one is lying dead ; 
But he made no answer to what I said. 

We lifted him up on his saddle again, 
And, through the mire and the mist and the rain, 
78 



618 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Carried him back to the silent camp, 

And laid him, as if asleep, on his bed ; 

And I saw by the light of the surgeon's lamp 

Two white roses upon his cheeks, 

And one, just over his heart, blood-red ! 

And I saw in a vision how far and fleet 

That fatal bullet went speeding forth, 

Till it reached a town in the distant North ; 

Till it reached a house in a sunny street ; . 

Till it reached a heart that ceased to beat, 

Without a murmur, without a cry : 

And a bell was tolled in a far-off town 

For one who had passed from cross to crown ; 

And the neighbors wondered that she should die. 



BATTLE-HYMN OP THE REPUBLIC. 

BY MRS. JULIA WARD HOWE. 

This glorious hymn has doubtless achieved a quicker and a wider popu- 
larity than any ever before written in this country ; and it is so universally 
familiar, that words of praise are unnecessary. It has true inspiration. It 
seized the heart of the nation ; and at home and in camp, on the mai'ch, and 
even on the field of battle, it has been read and sung, until it may justly be 
claimed that it is the hymn of the war. Wedded to the singular but popular 
air of " Grlory, Hallelujah," with its marked accent and playful movement, 
old and young, soldier and civilian, have sung its soul-stirring words, and 
been incited to nobler thoughts and braver deeds. 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord : 
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored ; 
He hath loosed the faithful lightning of his terrible swift sword. 
His truth is marching on. 

I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps ; 
They have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps ; 
I have read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps. 
His day is marching on. 

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel : 
" As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal : 
Let the hero born of woman crush the serpent with his heel ; 
Since God is marching on." 

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat ; 
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat : 
Oh ! be swift, my soul, to answer him ! be jubilant, my feet ! 
Our God is marching on. 



JAMES T. FIELDS. — GEN. F. W. LANDER. 619 

In the beauties of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea, 
With a glory in his bosom that transfijrures you and me : 
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 
While God is marching on. 



THE STARS AND STRIPES. 

BY JAMES T. FIKLDS. 

Rally round the flag, boys ; 

Give it to the breeze : 
That's the banner we love 

On the land and seas. 

Brave hearts are under it ; 

Let the traitors brag : 
Gallant lads, fire away. 

And fight ibr the flag ! 

Their flag is but a rag ; 

Ours is the true one : 
Up with the stars and stripes 1 

Down with the new one ! 

Let our colors fly, boys ; 

Guard them day and night : 
For victory is liberty, 

And God will bless the Right. 



YANKEE PRIDE. 

BY BRIG. -GEN. F. W. LANDER. 

On hearing that the Confederate troops had said that " fewer of the Massa- 
chusetts officers woukl have been killed if they had not been too proud to 
surrender." 

Ay, deem us proud ; for we are more 

Than proud of all our mighty dead : 

Proud of the bleak and rock-bound shore 

A crowned oppressor cannot tread ; 

Proud of each rock and wood and glen, 

Of every river, lake, and plain ; 
Proud of the calm and earnest men 

Who claim the right and will to reign ; 

Proud of the men who gave us birth, 

Who battled with the stormy wave 
To sweep the red man from the earth, 

And build their homes upon his grave ; 



620 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Proud of the holy summer morn 
They traced in blood, upon its sod, 

The rights of freemen yet unborn ; 

Proud of their language and their God ; 

Proud that beneath our proudest dome, 
And round the cottage-cradled hearth, 

There is a welcome and a home 
For every stricken race on earth ; 

Proud that yon slowly-sinking sun 

Saw drowning lips grow white in prayer 

O'er such brief acts of duty done 
As honor gathers from despair. 

Pride ! — 'tis our watchword. " Clear the boats ! 
Holmes, Putnam, Bartlett, Pierson, — here ! 
And while this crazy wherry floats, 

Let's save our wounded ! " cries Revere. 

Old State, — some souls are rudely sped, — 
This record for thy Twentieth Corps, 

Imprisoned, wounded, dying, dead. 
It only asks, " Has Sparta more ? " 



SAMUEL BURNHAM, 

(Of '' The Congregationalist," Boston.) 
Extract from a Commencement poem, delivered at Madison University, New York. 

The storm-cloud of war envelops the nation ; 

Earth reels with the shock as the huge tempest breaks ; 

New battle-fields shudder with red desolation ; 

The land from its long sleep of peace now awakes. 

Hark ! hear the loud tramp of the mustering legions. 

Resistless in numbers, and firm in their tread 1 

From Ea'it and from West, and from far-distant regions, 

They steadily march to the field of the dead. 

See slowly uprising the smoke of the battle. 

The dull heavy cloud by lightning-flash riven ! 

Hark the roar of the cannon, the musketry-rattle. 

The din of the contest that rises toward heaven ! 

The angel of death o'er the dark field is bending. 

With skeleton-finger is pointing his prey : 

O God ! hear the prayers of a nation ascending. 

And turn our dark night of horror to day ! 

O God of our fathers, the God of our nation ! 

Our faith is unwavering, our trust is in thee : 

(Y.\ ! hear our petition, our land grant salvation, 

A-.id graciously smile on the home of the free. 



THE PRESS, AND GENERAL LITERATURE. G21 

How long, ob ! how long, shall the storni-cloiid hang o'er us V 
How long ere the blood-stained sword may be sheathed ? 
How long is the terrible conflict before ns ? 
How long ere laurels of peace may be wreathed ? 

Not yet, no, not yet, will the contest be ended ! 
We shrink from the path God bids us to take : 
The cries of the bondmen to heaven have ascended, 
And now is God's time their fetters to break. 
• O'er the din of the battle, o'er war's desolation, 
Like heavy-toned thunder, or roar of the sea, 
God utters his voice in the ear of the nation. 
And all the world hears, — " Let mi/ people go free ! " 
Nor justice nor vengeance ever has slumbered ; 
God's plagues have been on us for all this abuse : 
The days of their bondage in Egypt are numbered ; 
Thank God, we've no Pharaoh who'll dare to refuse ! 
And then, like the first flash of lightning from heaven, 
Will victory dawn on a glorious day, 
And then, like clouds by mountain-winds driven. 
Will trouble and sorrow fly southward away. 
And " lo Triumphe ! " usher in the bright day ! 



THE PRESS, AND GENERAL LITERATURE. 

Wc liad hoped to obtain a further record of the loyal press and 
literature of the State. • 

But it is well known that the moulding thought of the writers 
in Massachusetts has always been true to Liberty and Christianity. 
The metropolitan press with every confidence was almost unani- 
mous in the advocacy of justice and the defence of the national 
administration. We might point for unsurpassed intelligence, 
and fidelity to the high trust of public journalism, to " The Boston 
Journal," with its " Carleton " in the field, and " Perley " at the 
capital of the Republic ; to " The Advertiser," always able and 
dignified; to the ever-loyal "Traveller," whose columns — at 
least once a week — contained a spicy resume; to "The 
Transcript," bi'eathing the patriotic devotion of the State ad- 
ministration which it so well represented ; and to " Tlie Herald." 
The weekly issues were on the side of the righteous cause. 
Among them we may notice the religious organs. The 
spirited and fearless " Congregationalist," " The Recorder," 
" Watchman and Reflector," " Zion's Herald," " Christian Exam- 
iner," and " Trumpet," were responsive to the pulpit in the un- 



622 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

compromising clearness and boldness of the loyalty which they 
taught the people. Even the conservative " Post " and " Courier," 
although regarded by a majority of the people as sympathizing 
deeply with the South, if we concede what was claimed of hon- 
esty of conviction, advocated, with their peculiar views of securing 
the result, the preservation of tlie Union at any cost. 

If we turn to the less frequent and larger issues, we have no 
exception to the rule of loyalty. " The North-American Review," 
"The Atlantic Monthly," and "The Boston Review," were eloquent 
oracles of freedom and the rights of all mankind. Throughout 
the State, the press fanned with the breath of an ardent love for 
the Republic the sacred fires of patriotism, on the home-altars 
of the people, with a unanimity never surpassed in the history of 
any other State. 

The theological works, the jurisprudence, and the very school- 
books, of the Commonwealth, have that same old savor of freedom 
and justice which " The Mayflower " brought to these shores. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
THE HEROIC DEAD, AND NATIONAL PORTRx\IT GALLERY. 

Unwritten HiiStory of Mourning Homes. — Col. William Brown, Assistant Adjutant- 
General of Massachusetts. — Roll of Honor. — Schwabe National Portrait Gallery. — 
Chaplain Fuller. — Major-Gen. George C. Strong. — Brig.-Gen. George D. Wells. — 
Brig.-Geu. T. J. C. Amory. — Col. Fletcher Webster. 

THERE are no more appropriate words with which to com- 
mence this part of our annals than those employed by the 
patriotic Governor to the senators of the State : — 

There is a history in almost every home of Massachusetts, which will never 
be written ; but the memory of kindred has it embalmed forever. The 
representatives of the pride and hope of uncounted households, departing, 
will return no more. The shaft of the archer, attracted by the shining mark, 
numbers them among his fallen. 

The {lag, whose standard-bearer, shot down in battle, tossed it from his 
dying hand, nerved by undying patriotism, has been caught by his comrade, 
who, in his turn, has closed his eyes for the last tmie upon its starry folds as 
another hero-martyr clasped the splintered staff, and rescued the symbol at 
once of their country and of their l^lood-bouglit fame. 

How can words of fleeting praise gild the record of their glory ! Our eyes 
suffused with tears, and blood retreating to the heart stirred with unwonted 
thrill, speak with the eloquence of Nature, — uttered, but unexpressed. From 
the din of battle, they have passed to the peace of the grave. Farewell, 
warrior, citizen, patriot, lover, friend, — whether in the humbler ranks, or 
bearing the sword of official power ; whether private, captain, surgeon, or 
chaplain (for all these in the heady fight have passed away) , — hail, and 
farewell ! Each hero must sleep serenely on the field where he fell in a 
cause " sacred to liberty and the rights of mankind " 

" Worn by no wasting, lingering pain, 
No cold gradations of decay, 
Death broke at once the vital chain, 
And freed his soul the nearest way." * 

* See Appendix for the roll of Massachusetts officers who have died in the service. 

623 



624 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

COL. WILLIAM BROWN. 

High among the names of those who served the State well and 
faithfully during the progTess of the war is that of Col. William 
Brown, First Assistant Adjutant-General of the Commonwealth. 
The complimentary order of Gov. Andrew, appointing him to the 
office, was issued Oct. 28, 1861. The General Order announcing 
his death, dated Feb. 18, 1863, reads as follows : — 

Col. William Brown, First Assistant Adjutant-General of the Common- 
wealth, died in the city of Boston, Feb. 16, aged sixty years. The Com- 
mander-in-chief, in respect for his character as a gentleman and a citizen, and 
in recognition of his valuable services and untiring devotion to duty as an 
officer, orders that his death be officially communicated to the Massachusetts 
reo-iments and batteries in the field, and to the militia organizations now in 
the Commonwealth. 

When the Rebellion opened, he occupied an important position 
in the Capitol, and won his advancement by a faithful, able, and 
unwearied discharge of duty. 

His funeral, at Salem, was attended by the Odd Fellows, by 
his Excellency the Governor and staff, Adjutant-Gen. Schouler, 
Surgeon-Gen. Dale, and a congregation of friends. 

The services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Briggs, and " nothing 
could have been more appropriate than the tribute which was 
paid to the memory of the deceased." 

The Roll of Honor, sacred to the memory of the departed 
heroes from this State, bears the names of eleven general officers. 

To Count L. B. Schwabe, we are indebted for much biographi- 
cal information of the honored dead, of which we have availed 
ourselves to the greatest extent our limits would permit. The 
count has been and is engaged in procuring personal sketches 
of all those who grace the walls of his gallery. These memoirs 
will appear in "The History of the National Gallery," the first 
volume of which will soon be in the hands of the publishers. 

We introduce the notices of the heroic dead who served in 
the field with the name of 

CHAPLAIN ARTHUR B. FULLER. 

His noble life has a worthy record from the pen of his brother ; 
and we shall here present only a glance at the shining example 
of high aims in life, and self-forgetful patriotism in death, from 
the pen of an admiring friend. 



ARTHUR B. FULLER. — GEN. STRONG. 625 

Rev. Arthur B. Fuller was commissioned by Gov. Andrew as chaplain of 
the Sixteenth Massachusetts Regiment, Aug. 1, 1861. He resigned at once 
his pastorate in Watertown, Mass., and entered with zeal upon his duties, 
which he discharged with unwonted fidelity and ability. 

Hon. Timothy Fuller was Chaplain Fuller's fother; and Margaret, Coun- 
tess d'Ossoli, his sister, a ministering angel to Italian soldiers in 1849. 

Chaplain Fuller, after witne.ssing the encounter of " The Merrimack " and 
" Monitor," an excellent account of which he furnished for the pres^s, accom- 
panied his regiment through the disheartening Peninsular campaign. 

Exposure and excessive labor impaired his health. He came home in the 
spring of 1862; but duty soon recalled him to the field. He was finally 
obliged to resign, Dec. 10, 1862. 

The very next day occurred the battle of Fredericksburg; and the patri- 
otic chaplain volunteered to serve on that occasion, saying, "I must do 
something for my country." He advanced over the pontoon-bridge beneath 
the fierce fire of the enemy, and fell in a short time, pierced by two rebel 
balls. 

His remains were recovered, and Massachusetts gave her son an honor- 
able burial ; the highest State officials, and prominent men of all sects and 
parties, joining in paying the last tribute of respect to one, who, as a pastor 
and as a chaplain, was worthy of his high and holy caUing. 

BRTG.-GEN. GEORGE C. STRONG. 

More than a passing notice is due this brilliant young officer, 
who received his death-wound, leading the charge of his brigade 
upon Fort Wagner, near Charleston, on the 18th of July. We 
quote the following : — 

George Crockett Strong, thirty years of age at the time of his death, was 
born in Stockbridge, Vt. Through the untiring application of his uncle, who 
adopted him when eight years old, and through the discrimination of Hon. 
George T. Davis, then representing that district in Congress, young Strong 
was, after the death of his father, Daniel E. Strong, appointed to West 
Point in 1853. Cadet Strong graduated in 1857 among the first five 
of his class, all of whom he excelled, however, in the military exercises of 
the camjnis. 

Lieut. Strong received his brevet in the ordnance department, and was, for 
a while, stationed at Selma, Ala. 

Nothing but his popularity and patriotism prevented an attack by the 
])opulaee on Watervliet Arsenal, when it was ascertained that a patent 
machine for manufacturing bullets was made by direction of the Secretary of 
War, under the superintendence of Major Mordecac, who had command. 
After he had been in command of that post for a short time, he applied for 
active service, and was called to a position, as chief of ordnance, on the staff 
79 



626 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

of Gen. M'Dowell ; and was in the action of Bull Run, wbere he distinguished 
himself by his cool courage and daring. 

Lieut. Strong was attached to the staff of Gen. M'Clellan, but in Septem- 
ber, 1861, upon the application of Gen. Butler, was made Assistant Adjutant- 
General of the Department of New England, with the rank of major, and 
soon after became chief of staff, and acting chief of ordnance. He labored 
hard in the fitting-out of the New-Orleans Expedition, and from Ship Island 
made a Ijjilliant and successful attack on a rebel camp at Biloxi, Miss. In the 
descent upon New Orleans, he landed, May 1, 1862, with the first column in that 
city. His severe duties brought on a fever early in June, and he was com- 
pelled to go North. Three months later, with restored strength, he was Welcomed 
back by his commander, and associates on the staff, and immediately sought 
active service. He obtained pormissioa from Gen. Butler to make a daring 
raid upon Poutehala, across Lake Pontcliartrain, the headquarters of Gen. 
Jeff. Thompson, capturing the town, and bringing among his trophies the 
rebel commander's spurs, bearing the inscription, " Presented by the patriots 
of Memphis." 

When Gen. Butler was relieved from the Department of the Gulf, Major 
Strong returned with him, and remained in New York, attached to the stafi" 
of that general. In this position the War Department kindly permitted him 
to continue, on account of his ill health. 

For his gallantry, courage, and efficiency. Major Strong was, upon the 
recommendation of Gen. Butler, appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, 
and received, two days before his death, the nomination of major-general by 
President Lincoln. 

Finding that there was no prospect that Gen. Butler would be ordered into 
immediate service, Gen. Strong, notwithstanding his sickness, volunteered to 
go with Gen. Gillmore to participate in the attack on Charleston. The coun- 
try was electrified by the news of the gallantry with which he led his brigade 
in the landing on IMorris Island, and first assault upon Fort Wagner, unsuc- 
cessful though it was. 

Just as the parapet was gained, a shot struck Gen. Strong in the thigh, 
and he fell. He was carried out of the fight by his men, and sent to hospital, 
whence he was conveyed to New York. The wound was more severe than 
his enfeebled constitution could bear ; for, on his arrival there, he was attacked 
by lock-jaw, and died July 30, 1863. In him the country has lost one of 
her noblest and best soldiers.* 

* Since this sketch was in press, wrote one who knew him intimately, " The quali- 
ties which were particuhirly noticeable were his deep 7-eli;fions character, and that devoted 
patriotism whicli 'did not count his life dear' if his country called for its sacrifice. 
His death was full of Christian triumph. He was alTectionate in all the relations of 
hfe, — a brave soldier and a true patriot. Not only may the state, but the nation, 
mom-n the loss of a spirit so pure and noble in its aspirations." 



GEN. WELLS. 627 



BREVET BRIG.-GEN. GEORGE DUNCAN WELLS. 

George Duncan "Wells was born at Greenfield, Mass., Aug. 21, 1826. 
His father was Chief Justice Wells, from whom he inherited his integrity, and 
kindness of heart. He was elected to the Legislature in 1859 ; becoming at 
once chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and leader of the House. Early in 
the Rebellion, he served for a short time at Fort Warren, and was then commis- 
sioned as lieutenant-colonel of the First ]\Iassachusetts Regiment. To him 
that gallant corps owed much of its discipline and efficiency. At the siege 
of Yorktown, he led the first assault of the Peninsular campaign, capturing a 
redoubt at the head of three companies ; himself being the first man to enter 
the lunette. 

Lieut.-Col. Wells shared most of the battles of this campaign ; leading, for a 
time, a demoralized regiment, to which he was assigned for the purpose of 
restoring its character. In July of 1862, he took command of the noble 
iVIassachusetts Thirty-four^^h. 

Col. Wells was next placed in command at Harper's Ferry. In October, 
1863, the Thirty-fourth gained an opportunity to show themselves under fire, 
driving Imboden's raiders ten miles, and marching thirty-five miles in fifteen 
hours. In December, this officer, with fourteen hundred men, including four 
hundred cavalry and a battery of six guns, was sent to Hamsonburg to aid 
Averill, who was engaged in cutting the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. 
He rendered essential service, holding a rebel army of ten thousand men in 
check, and, when pursued by a large force under Early, made a masterly 
retreat. Building fires to deceive the Qnemy, he marched by night, and 
reached Harper's Ferry with his men and munitions unharmed, and with 
many prisoners and trophies. This march of forty-three miles in thirty hour? 
was followed by a dress-parade on the next day, when the shining guns and 
neat equipments of the men were as remarkable as ever. 

The next battle was the disastrous one at Newmarket, where the Thirty- 
fourth gained new glory. The colonel was struck by two bullets ; but his 
" boys " boasted that he was " iron-clad." To the courage and coolness of 
his men, the safety of the array was, in great part, ascribed. Col. Wells next 
took part in the battle of Fisher's Hill, where he saved the day. The colonel 
was struck by a bullet, but without harm. On the 12th of October, Col. 
Wells fell at South-Cedar Creek, mortally wounded ; giving, after he received 
his death-wound, the needed orders for the withdrawal of his Ijrigade, and 
warning his men not to attempt to save him. A Ijrigadier-generalship by 
brevet was bestowed upon Col. Wells, dating from the day of his foil. So, 
mourned and honored by friends and foes, he died the death, as he had lived 
the life, of a true patriot and a true man. His body was buried in his native 
town. 



628 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 



BRIG.-GEN. THOMAS I. C. AMORT. 

Thomas I. C. Amoiy was a native of Massachusetts, and bora in Boston, 
Nov. 28, 1828. When seventeen years of age, upon the nomination of Ex- 
President John Q. Adams, a friend and classmate of his grandft.ther, he was 
appointed a cadet at West Point. He was above the usual height, and of 
a roliust constitution, well fitting him for the hardships and exposures of his 
profession. 

Graduating in 1851, he was appointed brevet second lieutenant in the 
Seventh United-States Infantry, stationed at Fort Smith ; and for the next 
ten years was constantly engaged in his military duty in the western wilder- 
ness, from the Falls of St. Anthony to Texas. His regiment was not in 
the Mexican War, but formed part of the Utah Expedition in 1854. After 
ten years of active duty, he returned home in the spring of 1801 on recruit- 
ino- service, and, when the Rebellion broke out, was useful in expediting 
troops to the field. In the autumn of that year, he was appointed colonel of 
the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers. His regiment, one of the most 
efficient in the array, was ordered to Baltimore, and, after being employed in 
re-establishing order in Eastern Maryland, went to Newbern. Col. Amory 
as actino- brigadier took part in several expeditions into the interior, and, when 
Newbern was attacked, repulsed the enemy. In October, 1864, while in 
command at Beaufort, his wife died of yellow-fever ; and, a few days later, he 
also fell a victim to the disease. 

COL. FLETCHER WEBSTER. 

Fletcher Webster, son of the illustrious statesman, Daniel Webster, was 
born in Portsmouth, N.H., July 23, 1813. He was fitted for college at 
the Latin School in Boston, and graduated at Harvard College in 1838. In 
1843, he went to China as secretary of legation under the Hon. Caleb Cush- 
ino-, who was minister. Upon his return, he settled in Boston. Immediately 
after the firing upon Fort Sumter, he proceeded to raise a regiment ; and his 
eiforts were so warmly seconded by his own friends and those of his father, 
that, in a very short time, its ranks were filled. After passing some weeks at 
Fort Warren, in Boston Harbor, diligently drilling, and learnhig their new 
duties, his regiment, the Twelfth Massachusetts, in July, 1801, proceeded 
to the seat of war. For the remainder of that year, and for a considerable 
portion of 1802, the regiment was employed in guarding the upper waters of 
the Potomac. In the second battle of Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1802, the 
regiment suffered heavily from the fire of the enemy ; and Col. Webster, who 
had throughout behaved with the utmost gallantry, was shot through the 
body, and died a few hours afterwards. 

Col. Webster was a generous and warm-hearted man, a brave soldier, and 
an excellent officer. His friends were strongly attached to him, and he was 
much beloved by the men whom he commanded. 



CHAPTER IX. 
FALLEN HEROES. 

Briff-Geu. F. W. Lander. — Brig.-Gen. T. G. Stevenson.— Brig.-Geu. Charles Russell Low- 
ell.—' Col. R. G. Shaw.— Col. P. J. Revere. — Col. G. L. Prescott. — Lieut.-Col. C.R. 
Mudge. — Lieut.-Col. L. M. Sargent. 

BRIG.-GEN. FREDERICK WILLIAM LANDER was born in 
Salem, Dec. 17, 1822. He was an active and adventurous 
boy, and grew up fond of and familiar with manly sports. In 
early youth, he entered Capt. Partridge's Military Academy at 
Norwich, Vt., and graduated a civil engineer. After a success- 
ful practice in his profession for several years, he engaged in 
explorations for the Government at the West. Of two expedi- 
tions to survey the route of a Pacific Railroad, he organized the 
latter at his own expense, and was the only survivor of the party 
who went out with him. 

Subsequently he surveyed and constructed the Groat Central 
Wagon-route ; travelling, in four months and a half, four thousand 
six hundred miles. In 1858, while this gigantic enterprise was 
in progress, the Pah Ute Indians fell upon his party of seventy 
men, and were completely routed. 

Wlien civil war burst upon the country, he offered his services 
to Gen. Scott " in any capacity, at any time, and for any duty." 

He was soon after employed successfully on secret missions 
to the South. He was volunteer aide on Gen. M'Clellan's staff 
the same year, and shared honorably in the battles of Philippi 
and Rich Mountain ; in the latter, especially, displaying coolness 
and bravery which decided the fortunes of the day. In July, 1861, 
he was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers ; and while in 
Washington, hearing of the disaster at Ball's Bluff, he hastened to 
Edward's Ferry with a company of sharpshooters, and held the 
position. Here he was wounded in the leg, but continued in 
active service. After a forced march of forty-three miles through 
deep snow, in February, 18(J2, to Blooming Gap, he made a bril- 
liant and successful charge upon the enemy. 

Failing'- health compelled Gen. Lander to ask for relief from 

° U29 



630 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

military duties ; but before tbe request could be granted, hearing 
that the enemy were within reach, he was preparing for a mid- 
night attack, when he suddenly sank into the arms of death at 
Paupan, Ya. The immediate cause of his death was congestion 
of the brain. 

Gen. Lander was a dashing and daring officer, regardless of 
danger, and glorying in the strife when hottest around him. In 
sympathy with human suffering, and hating injustice, he was a 
chivalrous and heroic man, of whose martial career we can only 
say, his " sun went down while it was yet noon." 

GEN. STEVENSON. 

Thomas Greely Stevenson, brigadier-general United-States Volunteers, 
who fell at the head of the first division of the Ninth Army Corps on the 
tenth day of May, 1864, was born in Boston, Mass., on the third day of 
February, 1836. 

He was the elder son of J. Thomas Stevenson, of that city. 

In his boyhood he was beloved and trusted by his companions, acquiring 
an influence over them, accounted for only by attributing to him the pos- 
session of those remarkable qualities which so fully developed themselves in 
riper years. 

As a youth, he was a leader in manly sports ; many of the most promis- 
ing young men of his native city gathering arouud him as their chief His 
manly and straightforward conduct insured their respect, and his sympathetic 
friendship won their affection. 

He received his early education in the best schools of Boston. While still 
quite young, he evinced a decided preference for the active pursuits of com- 
mercial life ; and at sixteen he entered the counting-room of one of the most 
active of the Boston merchants, whose love and confidence he rapidly gained, 
and never lost. 

The first flash of the Rebellion awakened him to a full sense of the duties 
which young men owed to the nation. He devoted himself with all his ener- 
gies to his country, and enlisted in her cause. He seemed to foresee the mag- 
nitude of the contest, and never indulged a doubt concerning its issue. 

In the spring of 1861, he was orderly-sergeant of the New-England Guards, 
— an old and favorite company of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, com- 
posed of young men of good position in Boston. 

When permission was given to raise another company of New-England 
Guards, and the two were organized as the Fourth Battalion of Massachusetts 
Volunteer Infantry, he was elected captain of one of the companies. The 
battalion received orders to garrison Fort Independence, in Boston Harbor ; 
and occupied that post on the 25th of April, 1861, under his command. On 
the 4th of May, he was elected major of the battalion, and continued to com- 
mand it till he was called to a position of higher rank and greater responsi- 
bility. 



GEN. STEVENSON. 631 

On the 31st of August, 1861, Major Stevenson received from the Governor 
of Massachusetts authority to raise a regiment of volunteers for the service of 
the United States, which he proceeded to recruit forthwith with great care. 

Col. Stevenson went into camp at Readville, Mass., early in September, 

1861, with the Twenty-fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. 
The reo-imeut was assi'^ncd to Gen. Burnside's command, and left the State 
on the ninth day of December, 1861, and proceeded to Annapolis, Md., 
where it was attached to the brigade of Gen. John G. Foster. 

He commanded the regiment at Roanoke Island on the 8tb of February, 
1862 ; and in the battle of Newbern on the 14th of March of the same year, 
where his coolness and intrepidity, under the severe fire to which the troops 
were exposed, seemed to inspire the young officers by whom he was sur- 
rounded, and did much to secure the steady and unwavering conduct which 
distinguished his men. 

Upon the re-organization of Gen. Burnside's forces in North Carolina, in 
April, 1862, Col. Stevenson was assigned to the command of a brigade in 
Gen. Foster's division, which he accepted with much hesitation, on account of 
his youth, and of his apprehension that the chances of war might separate him 
from the Twenty-fourth Regiment, to which he was ardently attached. 

In Gen. Foster's movement towards Tarborough in November of that year, 
his command had the advance. The official report of the commanding gen- 
eral concludes as follows : — 

"I desire to mention particularly the efficient conduct of Col. Stevenson, 
commanding the second brigade ; and of Col. Potter, of the First North- 
Carolina Union Volunteers. 

" I recommend that Col. Stevenson, for his efficient services on this march 
and in the affairs at Little Creek and at RawJe's Mills, as well as previous 
services at the battles of Roanoke and of Newbern, be promoted to the rank 
of brigadier-general, to date from Nov. 3, 1862." 

He led the same brigade in the movement to Goldsborough, and distinguished 
himself by the rapidity of his movements upon that march, by the disposition 
of his troops, and his conduct in the battles of Kinston on the 14th, of White- 
hall on the 16th, and of Goldsborough on the 17th of that month. 

He was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general on the 27th of December, 

1862, upon the recommendation of his commanding officer, for gallantry and 
efficiency in the field. 

Early in 1868, Gen. Foster organized a land force for operations against 
Charleston, and assigned a brigade to Gen. Stevenson ; and in February he 
went to South Carolina, where his command was attached to the Tenth Army 
Corps. 

On the 28th of March, 1863, in anticipation of the first combined move- 
ment by Admiral Dupont and Gen. Hunter upon Fort Sumter, he landed 
upon Seabrook Island and took possession of it. 

The tnaintenance of this position, in close proximity to the enemy at a point 
easily accessible to his forces, required great circumspection. On the night 



632 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

of July 9, he moved his force from Seabrook to James Island, where he re- 
mained until the 17th, when, the object of the movement having been accom- 
plished, his brigade was ordered to Morris Island, where he landed it on the 
18th, the day of the assault upon Fort Wagner, daring which he commanded 
the reserves. 

In the subsequent operations upon Morris Island, in the siege of Charleston, 
Gen. Stevenson labored very assiduously, commanding regiments from seven 
different States. He remained attached to the Tenth Array Corps until 
April, 1864, when he was ordered to report to Gren. Burnside at Annapolis : 
here, not fully recovered from sickness contracted by constant exposure and 
severe service in South Carolina, he organized and took command of the firsf 
division of the Ninth Array Corps, wliich immediately marched to the Rappa- 
hannock to join the Army of the Potomac. He commanded this division in 
the battle of the Wilderness on the 6th of May; and was at its head, at Spott- 
sylvania, when he was killed by a rifle-ball, on the morning of the 10th of 
May, 1864. 

In his military career, his honors outstripped his years. He was the coun- 
sellor of many older and of larger experience than himself He occupied 
higher positions and held larger commands than belonged to his existing rank, 
during nearly the whole term of his service. 

His devotion to duty, his strict attention to the minutest details, his skill in 
the disposition of troops, his gallantry in action, and his efficiency in the field, 
secured for him always the thorough confidence of his superior officers. 

He was proud of the regiment which he had organized, jealous of its honor, 
and always confident that its duty would be well performed ; and they, in re- 
turn, seemed to idolize their young commander. 

Sick and wounded officers and privates found relief in the cheerful tones of 
his voice : and " the men of Stevenson's brigade will never forget, that after 
the toilsome march, often late into the night, they always found their general 
waiting to make sure that every thing which circumstances permitted was 
done for their corafort ; that the last quarters located were his ; and that 
the last weary man relieved from duty was their general ; that however cheer- 
less the bivouac, or however stormy the night, he never left them to avail 
himself of the proffered comforts of headquarters. " 

Gen. Stevenson entered the military service with no ambitious purposes, 
but from a religious sense of duty ; and having laid upon the altar of his 
country his young life, full of honors and of happiness in the past, and of 
promise for the future, he will be remembered as " a good son, a dear brother, 
a firm friend, a true patriot, a brave soldier, a gallant officer, and an honorable 
man." 

BRIG.-GEN. CHARLES RUSSELL LOWELL. 

A writer in " Macmillau's Magazine," London, commenting 
with great fairness and admiration upon the victorious issue of 
the war, and bestowing fitting praise upon Massachusetts, says 
of the Lowells, — 



GENS. LOWELL AND SHAW. 633 

First in order comes Willie Putnam, aged twenty-one, the sole surviving 
son of Lowell's sister, — a boy of the highest culture and promise, — mortally 
wounded at Ball's Bluff in October, 1861, in the first months of the war, 
while in the act of going to the help of a wounded companion. At the same bitter 
fight, his cousin, James Jackson Lowell, aged twenty-four, was badly hurt ; 
but, after a short absence to recruit, joined his regiment again, and fell on 
June 30, 1862. " Tell my father I was dressing the line of my company 
when I was hit," was his last message home. He had been first in his 
year at Harvard, and was taking private pupils in the Law School when the war 
broke out. Warren D. Russell fell at Bull Run in August, 1862. 

Charles Russell Lowell, the only brother of James who died " dressing his 
line," was also the first scholar of his year (1854) at Harvard. He had 
visited Europe for health, and made long riding-tours in Spain and Algeria, 
where he became a consummate horseman. On the day after the Sixth Mas- 
sachusetts were fired on in Baltimore streets, Charles Lowell heard of it, and 
started by the nest train to Washington, passing through Baltimore. All 
communication between the two cities was suspended ; but he arrived on foot 
at Washington in forty-eight hours. In those first days of confusion, he be- 
came agent for Massachusetts at Washington, and brought order out of chaos 
for his own State before joining the army. His powers of command and 
organization gained him rapid promotion. He served with distinction in the 
Peninsular campaigns of M'Clellan, and, after Antietam, was selected to carry 
the captured standards to Washington. He raised a second cavalry regiment 
at home in the winter of 1862. He was placed in command of the cavalry force 
which protected Washington during the dark days of 1863. In Sheridan's 
brilliant campaign of 1864, he commanded the cavalry brigade of four regu- 
lar regiments, and the Second Massachusetts volunteer cavalry. He had 
thirteen horses shot under him before the battle of Cedar Creek, on Oct. 19 ; 
was badly wounded early in that day, and lifted on to his fourteenth horse to 
lead the final charge, so faint, that he had to give his orders in a whisper. 
Urged by those round him to leave the field, he pressed on to the critical 
point of attack ; and himself led thi last charge which ended one of the most 
obstinate battles of the war. 

He died next day of his wounds, leaving a widow of twenty, himself not 
thirty. The " Gazette," in which his commission as general was published, 
did not reach the army till after his death. Sheridan, with the generosity 
which most of the great Northern captains have shown, declared that the 
country could better have spared himself, and that there was no one quality of 
a soldier which he could have wished added to Charles Lowell. 

COL. R. G. SHAW. 

Wc have an outline of Col. Robert G. Shaw's career in the words 
of a relative, which we quote, because they modestly and in the 
briefest form tell the story of a noble life and heroic death : — 

so 



634 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

He was the only son of Francis George and Sarah Blake Shaw, both natives 
of Boston, and of mixed English and Scotch descent. 

Col. Shaw was born in Boston, 10th October, 1837 ; was educated at St. 
John's College, Fordham, N.Y. ; in Switzerland, Italy, and Germany ; and at 
Harvard College, class of 1860. Leaving college before his class graduated, 
he entered the counting-house of his uncles, Henry P. Sturgis & Co., Xew- 
York City; where, in January, 1861, impressed with the duty of taking part in 
the struf^o-le he saw to be impending, he became a private in Company C, 
Seventh Rc-iment New- York State Militia, with which he marched to Washing- 
ton in April, 1861, on the President's first call for volunteers. On the 13th of 
May, he received a commission as second heutenant in the Second Regiment 
Massachusetts Volunteers, then forming under Col (afterwards Gen.) Gordon. 
He was commissioned as first lieutenant on the 8th July, 1861 ; as captain on 
the 10th August, 1862 ; and remained with his regiment, pai-ticipating in all its 
battles, serving as aide-de-camp to Gen. Goodwin at Cedar Mountain. Though 
struck by bullets at Winchester and Antietam, he escaped without a wound. 

Early in February. 1863, he was designated by Gov. Andrew to form and 
command the Fifty-fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, the fii-st colored 
regiment authorized to be raised in a free State. 

He was commissioned as major on the 31st of March, 1863; and on the 
17th of x\pril as colonel. On the 28th of May, having formed and disciplined 
his regiment, he embarked with it for South Carolina. 

After having been employed in several expeditions, the regiment dis- 
tinonished itself in an engagement on James Island ; where, on the 16th of 
July, 1863, three companies bravely confronted and held back a superior 
force of the enemy, securing time for the formation of the division. On the 
18th of the same month, the Fifty-fourth was honored by being selected to 
head the assault on Fort Wagner, Morris Island. 

Col. Shaw was killed on the parapet of the fort, leading and cheering on his 
brave men ; and was buried near the fort with many of his attached and 
devoted followers who had fallen with him. 

It is proper to add here, that perhaps to no one of the heroes of the 
deadly night-strife in which Col. Shaw fell were the troops more indebted 
than to Capt. Luis F. Emilio, of Salem, Mass , who rallied the men, and 
fought with the greatest valor. 

COL. PAUL JOSEPH REVERE. 

Paul Joseph Revere, colonel of the Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts 
Volunteer Infantry, fell, mortally wounded, at the battle of Gettysburg, on the 
second day of July, 1863. 

He was bom in Boston on the tenth day of September, 1832 ; being the 
third son of Joseph W. Revere, and grandson of Paul Revere. He received 
his early education in the schools of Boston and the neighborhood, and then 
went to Harvard College, where he graduated in 1852. In the summer after 



COL. REVERE. 635 

the war broke out, he accepted the position of major of the Twentieth Regi- 
ment Massachusetts Volunteers. He was energetic and faithful in the dis- 
charge of his duties in raising and disciplining that regiment ; and distin- 
o-uisbed himself highly in the disastrous affair of Ball's Bluff, where it first 
met the enemy. He was slightly wounded, taken prisoner, and carried to 
Richmond ; where, not long after, it fell to bis lot to go into close imprison- 
ment, as one of the hostages for the Southern privateersmen whom we had 
captured and confined. 

He was exchanged in 1862, and rejoined bis regiment before Yorktown 
just in time to march with it into the abandoned works of the enemy. The 
thin remnant of those who served with him then will not soon forget the 
enero'y with which he pusbed the skirmishers through the woods and swamps 
which edge the Chickabominy, nor bow gallantly be played bis part, and how 
clearly bis voice rang, on the dark afternoon when Sumner met the rebel left 
as it swung round at Fair Oaks. Here the Twentieth first bad its revenge 
for Ball's Bluff, taking prisoners from eleven of the thirteen States of the 
Confederacy. 

In all the fighting and skirmishing and outpost-duty of the Peninsular 
campaign, Major Revere showed himself the faithful, the conscientious, the 
gallant soldier. At the battle of Glendale, on the 30th of June, 1862, he 
distinguished himself particularly. He bad two horses shot, and was severely 
wounded by the fall of one. For his gallant services. Gen. Sedgewick made 
especial mention of him. 

In the hot and unhealthy air of Harrison's Landing, Major Revere lan- 
guished. The effects of prison-life became more apparent, and his frame 
seemed shaken by his fall at Glendale. At Malvern Hill, in August, 1862, 
bis manifest unfitness for the field attracted the attention of Gen. Sumner ; and 
he ordered bun to the rear, and gave him leave of absence. 

He returned to the field in September following as inspector-general of the 
Second Corps, on the staff of Gen. Sumner, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. 
He rode by his side into the field of blood at Antietam, where, in thiity 
minutes, fifty-five per cent of the third brigade of bis second division, to 
whicb the Twentieth belonged, were shot down. Here, as everywhere. Col. 
Revere did good service till a wound disabled him and sent him to the rear, 
in ignorance of the fate of his brother, a brave and devoted surgeon, who lay 
on the same field, shot through the heart. 

His recovery from this wound was slbw; and attended by cruel suflerings, 
whicb kept him from the field for many moaths. Before he was fit for service, 
be reported for duty, and was appointed to the command of bis old regiment. 
]3y the side of those tried and trusty men, bis companions in so many fights, 
on the second day of July, 1863, he received tbe wound of whicb he died 
two days after. 

Col. Revere was a man of great coolness and daring. His form was tall 
and athletic, his eye quick. He was endowed with a very uniform and cheer- 
ful disposition, and did much to keep up the spirits of bis associates in 



636 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

prison and in the field by the hopefulness and spirit which he always dis- 
played. His early death took from his friends and his country a true man, a 
gallant soldier, and an accomplished Christian gentleman ; from his wife and 
two young children, a devoted husband and father. 

COL. GEORGE PRESCOTT 

Was born in Littleton, Mass., May 29, 1829, — the only son of Timothy 
Prescott, Esq. 

Four years after, his father moved to Concord, Mass. Here the outbreak 
of the war found him quietly engaged in business : but, at the first call of 
Government, he left it, and led one of the earliest companies to Washington ; 
leaving home on the 19th of April, — a day memorable both in Concord 
and Baltimore. With the rank of captain, he served in the Fifth Regiment 
Massachusetts Infantry, participating in the first Bull-Run battle. 

Pteturnina: home from his three-months' service, he felt as if he must do 
more for his country ; and in October, ISGl, he again raised a company ; and 
the spring of 1862 found him again in the field, connected with the Thirty- 
second Regiment. 

He served througli the latter part of the Peninsular campaign, and was 
present at the battles which followed the disasters of M'Clellan. 

In August, 1862, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of his regiment, 
and participated in the bloody repulse at Fredericksburg. 

On the resignation of Col. Parker in December, he was promoted to the 
command. 

He commanded the Thirty-second at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where 
be was slightly wounded. 

He led his regiment, with signal gallantry, from the Wilderness to Peters- 
burg. Hei'e, on the 18th of June, while leading his regiment in an assault 
upon the enemy's works, he received a mortal wound through the left breast. 

He lived twenty-four hours, — long enough to receive the well-merited praise 
of his superior officers, and to send messages of affection to his wife and little 
ones in Concord. 

LIEUT.-COL. CHARLES REDINGTON MUDGE. 

Lieut.-Col. Charles Redington Mudge was killed in the battle of Gettys- 
burg, 3d July, 1863, aged twenty-three years. He was born in New- York 
City, 22d October, 1839. His boyhood was marked by an honest and truthful 
as well as kind and genial disposition, which endeared him to his playmates, and 
made him a cherished object of affection to his family. He graduated at Har- 
vard in the class of 1860. From that time, with the exception of a few 
months passed in preparing to enter business with his father, he was in the 
service of his country, having joined the Second Massachusetts Infantry, — the 
first three-years' regiment raised for the war. He was commissioned as first 



LIEUTS. MVDGE AND SARGENT. ' 637 

lieutenant; promoted to be captain July 8, 18G1 ; and was subsequently 
made major and lieutenant-colonel. When the regiment covered the rear 
in Gen. Banks's retreat, Col. Mudge was with them in their dangerous path ; 
and in the battle of Winchester, May 25, 1862, received his first wound. 
At the battle of Chancellorsville, Col. Cogswell was wounded early in the 
day ; and the command of the regiment devolved upon Col. (then Major) 
Mudge, which he retained from that time until his death. In the movement 
on Beverly Ford and the wonderful march of the army to the field of Gettys- 
burg, the Second Regiment was kept in constant readiness for any duty. 
On the evening of the 2d July, it changed its position from the left to the 
rio-ht wing. The rebels were found to have advanced their left. A recon- 
noitring-party was ordered forward, and discovered that the woods in front 
were filled ^vith them. It was at this juncture that the calm courage and 
wonderful quickness of thought of Major IMudge enabled him to extricate the 
regiment from its perilous position. The officers and men felt themselves 
saved from annihilation or capture by the presence of mind and military skill 
of their young commander. The morning dawned, and an order came for 
the brigade to which the Second Regiment was attached to assault the enemy's 
position. It resulted in one-half the regiment being laid dead or wounded 
on the field. The remnant struggled through alone ; the brigade having 
broken, and fled back to the cover of their lines. The young commander 
fell dead, struck full in the breast by a rifle-ball. 

LIEUT.-COL. LUCIUS MANLIUS SARGENT. 

Lieut.-Col. Lucius ManUus Sargent, First Regiment Massachusetts Cavalry, 
was killed at Weldon Railroad, Va., on the ninth day of December, A.D. 
1864, when leading his regiment against the enemy. He was widely known 
in the service for his manly and chivalric nature, his indifference to personal 
dano-er, and his efficiency as an officer. 

From the outbreak of the war, he devoted himself, without hesitation, to the 
cause of his country ; first as a surgeon in the Twentieth Regiment, and after- 
wards by joining, as captain, the First Cavalry, of which his brother Horace 
was lieutenant-colonel. He saw much active service, and was in various 
eiKyacemeuts, being wounded at Aldie. He made it a principle to share the 
hardships and privations of his men, improving every opportunity of con- 
tributino- to their welfare. His wit and cheerfulness made hhn an agreeable 
companion, and his natural enthusiasm inspired others with like zeal and 
devotion. 

In every relation of life. Col. Sargent was exemplary, and not least so in 
•the practice of his profession. He took good rank as a surgeon ; and his 
dispensary services, from their extent and usefulness, have been often men- 
tioned with praise. Ordinary panegyric seems cold and unmeaning when 
applied to a character of such noble proportions. Those who were bound to 
him by ties of friendship or consanguinity will ever cherish his memory with 
peculiar tenderness. 



CHAPTER X. 

FALLEN HEROES. 

Major W. A. Walker. — Capt. W. S. Hodges. — Capt. W. E. Hooker. — Capt. N. B. Shurt- 
lefF, Jun. — Lieut. H. M. Buraham. — Lieut. E. P. Hopkins. — Sergeant Theodore 
Parlanan. — Lieut. Sumner Paine. — Brig.-Gen. George 13. Boomer. 

MAJOR WILLIAM A. WALKER. 

MAJOR WILLIAM AUGUSTUS WALKER was a native of Ports- 
mouth, N.H. He was bom iu 1827. At the age of twenty, he removed 
to Boston, and subsequently to Greenfield m 1858, where he was employed as 
a clerk for some time, and was interested in all matters of public interest. In 
the summer of 1861, at the breaking-out of the Rebellion, he was very active 
in raising and organizing a company for the Twenty-seventh Regiment. He 
was mustered into the service, as captain of Company C of that regiment, 
20th of September, 1861. 

The first engagement in which Capt. Walker participated was at Roanoke 
Island, Feb. 7, 1862, in which, by the testimony of all his brother-officers, he 
behaved gallantly. His next engagement was at Newborn, ]March 14, 1862, 
when the reputation for bravery he had earned at Roanoke was firmly estab- 
lished. From this time till the winter of 1802, his regiment performed camp 
and garrison duty only. In November, he participated in the brisk skirmish at 
Rawles's Mills ; and afterwards marched with his company to Williaraston, 
Hamilton, and in the vicinity of Tarborough, near the Weldon Railroad, on an 
expedition designed to destroy the road. In the succeeding month, Capt. 
Walker participated in the sharp engagement of Bristow, White Hall, and 
Goldsborough, in an expedition led by Gen. Foster. 

Major Walker was for a long time provost-marshal of Newbern ; performing 
the arduous and delicate duties of the post with great satisfaction to all asso- 
ciated with him. In consequence of his Ijusiness-training, and known habits 
of order and system, he was repeatedly eliosen to serve on courts-martial, 
and, in many positions other than in the field, served his country faithfully 
and acceptably. 

In May, 1863, he was promoted to the rank of major. In the fall of 1863, 
the Twenty-seventh Regiment was transferred to Norfolk, Va., where it per- 
formed garrison-duty till the opening of the summer campaign of 1864, when it 
was incorporated into the Army of the James. A temporary sickness detained 
Major Walker, and prevented his capture at Drury's BlufF, where most of the 
regiment was taken. The command of the remainder now devolved upon jMajor 
638 



MAJOR WALK1:R and CAPT. HODGES. 639 

Walker : he marched with them and the Eighteenth Army Corps to join Gen. 
Grant. June 3, in a fatal charge upon the enemy at Cold Harbor, Major 
Walker was instantly killed at the very front of his regiment. The spot where 
he fell beino- under the fire of both armies, he was left several days unburied, 
and at last interred upon the field whore he fell. It is the universal testi- 
mony of both officers and men who were associated with him, that he was a 
brave man, and a faithful, efficient officer. His company, as a testimonial of 
their respect and attachment, some time previous to his promotion, made him 
a present of an elegant sword, sash, and belt. 

CAPT. WILLIAM TOWNSEND HODGES. 

William Townsend Hodges, captain Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, son of 
Col. Almon D. Hodges of Rosbury, Mass., was a lineal descendant, on 
his mother's side, from Roger Williams. He graduated at the English High 
School in Boston in 1850 ; and was appointed a discount clerk in Washington 
Bank, Boston, at the age of nineteen years. 

He was killed, April 6, 1865, in a cavalry charge made by three squadrons 
of his regiment on the rebel cavalry under Fitz-Hugh Lee, at High Bridge, 
near Burkesville, Va,, where nearly every ofiicer of this command was either 
killed or wounded. 

The command had broken through a brigade line of the enemy's cavalry ; and 
the last charge was made by Capt. Hodges at the head of his squadron, upon 
a division line of the enemy, when he fell. He was actively engaged during 
the battles which ended in the evacuation of Richmond, and took a part in 
the pursuit of Lee, up to the engagement in which he lost his life. 

Capt. Hodges first held a commission as first lieutenant in Capt. John 
L. Swift's company of the Forty-first Massachusetts Regiment ; and he bore 
an honorable part in the campaigns in Louisiana. 

At Port Hudson, volunteers were called for as a forlorn hope to make 
an assault on the powerful works of the enemy ; and he was one among the 
first to offer his services for the dangerous duty. This was quite in keeping 
with the character of the deceased, who was a courageous and determined 
soldier. 

Lieut. Hodges was promoted in April, 1864, from lieutenant of the Third to 
a captaincy in the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, which he held at the time 
of his death. Capt. Hodges' remains were brought to Roxbury, and repose in 
Cypress Avenue, Forest Hills, where a monument is erected to his memory, 
and also to the memory of his brother, George Foster Hodges, a graduate of 
Harvard University of the class of 1855, who joined the Fifth Massachusetts 
Regiment, which left Boston for Washington, April 21, 1861. He was ap- 
pointed paymaster of said regiment by Col. Lawrence, his classmate, after the 
arrival of the regiment at Washington. He participated in the battle of Bull 
Run ; and, after the return of the Fifth, he was appointed to the office of 
adjutant of the Eighteenth Regiment, on recommendation of Col. Barnes. 
He also gave up his life to the service of his country. 



640 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 



CAPT. WILLIAM ESTES HACKER. 

Capt. William Estes Hacker, Coiupany A, Third Maryland Volunteer In- 
fantry, was born in Philadelphia, Aug. 20, 1844. Moved to Worcester 1850. 
Entered the Highland Military School at Worcester in 1857. In 1858 
was appointed second lieutenant, and captain in 1859; and held the office 
until he graduated in 1861. He left home, September, 1861, to act as volun- 
teer aide on Gen. James Cooper's staff, who was raising a brigade in Maryland; 
and continued on his staff until the following May, when he accepted com- 
mission as second lieutenant^n the Third Maryland. The last of May, the 
regiment was ordered to Harper's Ferry, and was stationed at Bolivar Heights. 
In the retreat of Gen. Saxton, the regiment lost all their baggage and tents. 
Was afterwards up the Shenandoah Valley with Gen. Banks's army corps, 
and in the fight at Slaughter Mountain, where Major Kennedy of the regi- 
ment was killed. 

During the retreat of Gen. Pope, the regiment was engaged in the rear, 
burning and destroying baggage-wagons and railroad-cars, and suffered se- 
verely for want of food. In the battle of Antietam, he wtis shot through the 
chest. He was taken to Worcester by his father on a stretcher. In Novem- 
ber, he left for his regiment again, as he learned they were going into winter- 
quarters. A few days after, they were ordered to move, and he to report to 
the medical director at Philadelphia. Not being sufficiently recovered to go 
with the regiment, he was ordered to the officers' hospital at Camacs Woods 
in Philadelphia, where he staid until Jan. 13. He then joined his regi- 
ment at Stafford Court House, Va. ; and shortly after they were ordered to 
Acquia Creek. In March, was detailed by Gen. Jackson to act as brigade 
inspector ; but, before assuming any of the duties, he was taken with typhoid- 
fever, and died March 28, 1863. His body was taken to Philadelphia, and 
laid in Laurel-hill Cemetery. He was eighteen years and seven mouths old 
when he died, and probably one of the youngest captains who died during 
the war. 

CAPT. NATHANIEL BRADSTEEET SHURTLEFF, JUN., 

Was the son of a physician of Boston bearing the same name ; and was born in 
that city on the sixteenth day of March, 1838. He received his early educa- 
tion in the public schools of his native city, where he earned several high 
prizes. He graduated at Harvard College in 1859, where he distinguished 
himself as a public speaker, possessing the highest powers as a writer and 
extemporaneous debater. In the law-office of William Brigham of Boston, he 
passed a year of study ; and, just as he was attaining a position among his 
fellow-students, the country became convulsed by the Southern Rebellion. 
He was a member of a volunteer military company in Boston, the Independent 
Company of Cadets. On the day after the Baltimore riot, Fletcher Webster 
made his public appeal in State Street for soldiers for three-years' service. 



CAPT. SIIUUTLEFF AND LIEUT. BURNHAM. 641 

Mr. Shurtleff was his first rccniit, enlisting on the 20th of April, — the first 
actually enlisted to serve three years, or until the close of the war. He 
was cho.seu by his men, and commissioned by the Governor, as captain 
of Company D, early in May, 18131. This regiment was first brought 
under fire at the battle of Cedar Mountain, near Culpeper, in Virginia. 
Here it was that Capt. Shurtleff fell on the 9th of August, 1862, at the age 
of twenty-four years. His death was instantaneous ; a ball having passed 
through his chest as he raised himself to caution his men against unneeessaiy 
exposure, they lying on the ground by command of their general officer. 
The body of Capt. Shurtleff was embalmed, sent home for burial, and 
was deposited at Blount Auburn with military honors, after an imposing 
ceremonial at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. 

LIEUT. HOWARD MATHER BURNHAM. 

Howard Mather Burnham was born in Longmeadow, Mass., March IT, 
1842 ; and died on the field of Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863, at the age of 
twenty-one. When the signal-gun of war reverberated from Sumter, it fired 
instantly the pent-up enthusiasm of his ardent and noble nature. On the 
19th of April, 1861, — the day when the first Massachusetts blood was shed in 
Baltimore, — he joined the Springfield City Guards. A few days after, 
seeing the prospect of speedier service, he went into camp with the Tenth 
Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, then forming at Springfield, on the 
Hampden Park. He was soon commissioned as second lieutenant. Fifth 
Artillery, in the regular army. He served impatiently for several months in 
the irksome service of recruiting-officer at Towanda, Philadelphia, New York, 
Albany, and Dubuque, until he was ordered to Fort Hamilton, N.Y., on 
garrison-duty. The next April, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and 
ordered to report to Gen. Rosecrans at Murfreesborough. He was placed in 
command of Battery H, Fifth Artillery ; and with this battery he remained 
till he died fighting its guns. He had, however, shortly after taking its com- 
mand, been appointed chief of artillery of the fir.st division. Fourteenth Army 
Corps, and placed on the staff of Gen. Baird. He placed his battery in 
position for his first and last fight, serving his guns ; and, exposing himself to 
a murderous fire of bullets, he fell, mortally wounded by a shot through the 
rifht breast, about noon, Sept. 19. 

He was full six feet high, of fine proportions, very athletic, proficient in all 

manly sports, a great pedestrian, a splendid rider ; not disdaining the axe and 

spade ; ready for work as well as play ; " enduring hardness " self-imposed, 

as if to guard against the soft allurements of wealth and leisure. He was the 

obedient son, the careful, loving brother, the type of gentlemanly bearing, the 

model of courtesy. 

81 



642 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 



LIEUT. EDWARD PAYSON HOPKINS. 

Lieut. Edward Payson Hopkins was born July 22, 1843, in Williams- 
town, where he received his early education; entering Williams College (where 
bis father was professor) with the class of 1864. Previous to this, he was 
eno-aofed for some months with Prof. Wilbur in an exploration of the State 
of Illinois. In college, he became the President of the Lyceum of Natural 
History, and was an active member of the expedition it sent to Grreonland. 

At the beginning of his senior year, ho began, with enthusiasm, recruiting 
for the First Massachusetts Cavalry. On the sixth day of January, 1864, he 
was mustered into the United-States service as first lieutenant in that regiment, 
and soon after joined his command in the Army of the Potomac. The cav- 
alry commenced fighting, May 3, in the battle of the Wilderness, and 
were almost constantly engaged until May 11 ; on the morning of which 
latter day, Lieut. Hopkins was shot from his horse, and killed instantly, while 
leading a charge on the cavalry of the enemy at Ashland, sixteen miles from 
Richmond. 

By those with whom he was associated he was esteemed, by his comrades 
honored and loved, and regarded by all as one lx»rn insensible to fear. 

THEODORE PARKM/^. 

Theodore Parkman, who was killed at the age of twenty-five in the skir- 
mish at Whitehall, N.C., was a graduate of Columbia College of the class 
of 1857. His special studies were in chemistry and natural science. He 
studied more than two years in Germany, where, in 1861, he obtained the 
degree of doctor of philosophy from the University of Gottingen. He had a 
singularly clear and manly mind, was a scholar, admirably versed in his depart- 
ment, pure and noble in his thoughts, jealous of every moment in which he 
was not learning something, modest and reser\^ed in manner. 

Distrusting his untried military ability, this accomplished young man in- 
sisted upon enlisting as a private in the Forty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers. 
Appointed color-sergeant of his regiment, he won by his courage and cheer- 
fulness the hearty love of his comrades. He was killed while his regiment 
was waiting in reserve to support the Twenty-third, of the same State. 

SUMNER PAINE. 

Sumner Paine was born in Boston, May 10, 1845 ; and was a great-grand- 
son of Robert Treat Paine. After being at the public Latin School one year, 
he went in 1856, with his family, to Europe. Ke spent nearly a year at an 
excellent institution in Paris; and in September, 1858, after two years' 
absence, returned to Boston, and re-entered the public Latin School, having 
acquired a knowledge of Spanish and the Froncli and Italian languages, so as 
to converse in them freely. In 1861, he graduated at the school as first 
scholar, and entered Harvard Universitv. His talents and attainments were 



LIEUT. PAINE AMD GEN. BOOMER. 643 

such, that the required exercises were an easy task to hjin. In April, 1861, 
he applied for and obtained a commission as second lieutenant in tlie Twenti- 
eth Massachusetts Regiment, which he joined May 2, 1863, at Fredericks- 
burg. That night the army crossed the river, and, the next day, fought the 
battle of Chancellorsville. Early in the day, the captain of bis company was 
wounded; and the command devolved on him. He acquitted himself in a way 
to gain the high esteem of his brother-otficers. _ He continued in command of 
a' company until his death. The long, hot, forced march to Gettysburg, under 
which so many gave out, he bore without difficulty. His regiment arrived on 
the battle-field at the end of the first day's fight. On Friday afternoon, the 
enemy made their last and great effort, pouring in immense force upon our left 
centre. Lieut. Paine, full of zeal and ardor, was urging his company for- 
ward, and had just exclaimed to a brothcr-ofEcer, " Isn't this glorious!' " when 
his ankle was broken by a piece of shell, and he fell. Then, raising himself 
upon his left elbow, he was waving his sword, and cheering on his men with 
" Forward, forward ! " when a bullet pierced his heart, and he dropped dead, 
Friday, July 3, 1863, aged eighteen years. 

He lies buried on the battle-field where be fell, in the National Cemetery at 
Gettysburg, in the Massachusetts division. His brother-ofBcers held him in 
the highest esteem and affection. 

GEN. GEORGE B. BOOMER. 

Gen. George B. Boomer was killed, May 22, 1863, by a rebel bullet, at 
the siege of Vicksburg. His funeral took place in the Third Baptist Church, 
Worcester. It was attended by all the members of the city government, be- 
sides many other distinguished personages. 

Rev. F. Barnard, who officiated, spoke in high terms of the deceased, and 
gave a very interesting account of his military career ; stating that, in Sep- 
tember, 1801, he commanded the Twenty-sixth Missouri Regiment, raised 
by his own exertions. Soon after the battle of luka, in which he was 
severely wounded, he was, by order of Gen. Grant, given the command of a 
brigade as a reward for his bravery. His body was interred in Rural Ceme- 
tary ; and in December, 1865, a freestone shaft of handsome design was 
placed above his resting-place. 

HENRY LYMAN PATTEN. 

Henry Lyman Patten was born at Kingston, N.H., in April, 1836. He 
graduated at Harvard,- with high honors, in 1858. He taught in different 
places, and was assistant professor in the Washington University, St. Louis ; 
and finally entered the Law School at Cambridge, Mass. 

When the war broke out, he obtained a commission in the Twentieth Regi- 
ment, and fought through the Peninsular campaign ; received a wound at Glen- 
dale ; and was in the thickest of the fight at Aiitietam. 

He shared in the crossing of the Rappahannock, and in both attacks on 



644 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

Fredericksburg ; was wounded at Gettysburg ; at the battle of the Wilderness, 
May 6, 1864 ; and went through the fatiguing campaign of Mine Run. 

The command of the regiment was soon given to him, and, shortly after- 
wards, the rank of n>ajor. The arduous duties and privations he had to 
undergo in his capacity cannot be estimated ; but he nobly bore them, as also 
illness, which, under ordinary circumstances, would have relieved him from 
duty. 

The first and second officers of his regiment returning, he was at length 
relieved of his command. Three days after, he received a wound at Deep 
Bottom, rendering amputation of his leg above the knee necessary. His con- 
stitution, already overtaxed, was unable to support this shock ; and, though he 
bore his sufferings with Christian patience, they were only ended by his death. 

Major Patten was a singularly modest man, and one of the bravest soldiers 
that ever drew sword. He was beloved by his regiment; and, of the eighteen 
officers of the Twentieth who gave up their lives to their country, he was 
one of the most worthy. 

It is with a sigh of deep regret that we turn from a score or two of sketches 
of youthful heroes in the national gallery of the patriotic Count Schwabe, 
which we had hoped to add to the brief memoirs that accompany the por- 
traits; such as Marshall, Durivage, Washburn, Williams, Fox. Priestley, Craig, 
Cowdin, Ure, Stearns, Wilcox, Putnam, Dwight, Perkins, Allen, Sturgis, 
Hodges, Meade, Cushing, the brothers Batchelder, and Russell. 

A simple and succinct record of their names and fate will be found in the 
Appendix, which at least will exonerate us from the charge of having will- 
ingly neglected to give a record of their heroic career to the world. 

Before dismissing the subject, however, it is impossible to refrain from 
mentioning particularly the last victim of the Rebellion. 



EDWARD L. STEVENS. 

Edward L. Stevens, of Brighton, first lieutenant. Company H, Fifty-fourth 
Regiment, was killed in the action at ]3oykin's Mills, April 18, 1865, the 
last engagement of the war, and nine days after the surrender of Gren. Lee. 

The expedition of Bi-ig.-Gen. Potter into South Carolina, which cost young 
Stevens his life, conferred on Massachusetts the honor of giving the last mar- 
tyr-blood to the Republic. Baltimore and Boykin's Mills have thus an his- 
torical interest to the State, which will be cherished among her most precious 
treasures in the glorious past. 



CHAPTER XL 

MEMORIALS OF THE DEAD. 

The Work of conimemorating the Death of our Heroes of the Field just begun. — Gov. 
Andrew's eloquent Words to the Legisltture. — Gettysburg Cemetery. — The Monu- 
ment to Ladd and Whitney. — Needham's Monument. — The Dead of Williams Col- 
lege. — Reading Monument. — New Bedford, Eastham, Ashfiekl, and other Places. 

IT is too soon yet to record the substantial honors Massachusetts 
pays to her departed lieroes. In the peaceful years before us, 
all over the Commonwealth will rise the shaft and the statue ; the 
beautiful garden of death will attract the steps of the living ; and 
the glowing canvas in the public hall and in the homes of the 
people will be studied with moistened eyes, — endearing memo- 
rials of those gallant defenders of the national flag who yielded 
their lives under its victorious folds. We have gleaned a few 
items of interest to place on the memorial-record. In his ad- 
dress before the Legislature, January, 1865, Gov. Andrew paid 
an eloquent tribute to the Massachusetts soldiers killed on the 
battle-field, and said, " Since the war began, four hundred and 
thirty-four officers whose commissions bore our seal, or who were 
promoted by the President to higher than regimental commands, 
have tasted death in the defence of their country's flag." 

On the occasion of the dedication of the National Cemetery at 
Gettysburg, Nov, 19, 1863, the Governor appointed Henry Edwards, 
George William Bond, and Charles Hale, to represent Massa- 
chusetts. Major-Gen. Couch was in command of the department 
in which Gettysburg was situated, and cheerfully granted the 
request of those gentlemen for a detail of invalid soldiers, from 
hospitals in the vicinity, " to bear the standard of the Common- 
wealth durhig the pageant." J. E. Atwood, standard-bearer of 
the Tenth, and W. D. Toombs of the Second, W. W. Mason of 
the Tenth, A. B. Kimball of the Fifteenth, and J. E. Baker of the 
Nineteenth, color-corporals, were selected, and were conspicuous 
in the impressive scenes of the memorable day, on account of the 
singular and honorable duty they performed. The oration was 
worthy of its author, the Hon. Edward Everett. 

645 



646 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

The sepulture of those soldiers who were citizens of Boston 
was put in charge of a committee secured from the City Council 
by the efforts of the Mayor. Of tlie estimated expense of fin- 
ishing the cemetery, — 163,500, — the proportion of Massachusetts 
was 84,205.30. 

The graves of the dead of this Commonwealth are bounded 
by those of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut ; and, excepting 
the sad " unknown," their lot is third in extent ; that of New 
York being the first, and of Pennsylvania the second. 

The dedication of the monument to Ladd and Whitney, in 
Lowell, occurred on June 17, 1865. The Governor made the 
address, a comprehensive resume of the war, and a fitting tribute 
to the martyrs buried beneath that commemorative stone. 

After narrating the raising and march of the troops early in 
April, 1861, the bloody scenes in Baltimore, and the appropria- 
tion of seven thousand dollars by the General Assembly of Mary- 
land for the families of the soldiers killed and disabled by the 
mob, " to wipe out the foul blot," he thus closes : — 

Let this monument, raised to preserve the names of Ladd and Whitney, — 
the two young artisans of Lowell who fell among the first martyrs of the 
Great Rebellion, — let this monument, now dedicated to tlieir memory, stand 
for a thousand generations ! It is another shaft added to the monumental 
columns of Middlesex. Henceforth shall the inhabitants of Lowell guard 
for Massachusetts, for patriotism, and for liberty, this sacred trust, as they 
of Acton, of Lexington, of Concord, protect the votive stones which com- 
memorate the men of April, '75. 

Let it stand as long as the Merrimack runs from the mountains to the sea ; 
while this busy stream of human life sweeps on by the banks of the river, 
bearing to eternity its freight of destiny and hope. It shall speak to your 
children, not of death, but of immortality. It shall stand here, a mute, 
expressive witness of the beauty and dignity of youth and manly prime con- 
secrated in unselfish obedience to duty. It shall testify that gratitude will 
remember and praise will wait on the humblest, who, by the intrinsic great- 
ness of their souls or the worth of their ofierings, have risen to the sublime 
peerage of Virtue. 

The body of Corporal Sumner H. Needham, who, Api'il 19? 
predicted that he would meet his death the same day, was con- 
veyed to Lawrence by a committee of the city government, and 
placed in the City Hall. Thence it was taken with impressive 
ceremonies to the beautiful cemetery, where it lies under a grace- 
ful granite monument, bearing an appropriate inscription. 



MEMORIALS OF THE DEAD. 647 

At the commencement of Williams College, 18G5, the harmo- 
nious meeting at the liall was made intensely interesting and 
impressive by the memories and mention of the heroic dead. 

Judge Paige, the president, gave an eloquent address on taking 
the chair ; and speeches were made by Major-Gen. Truman Sey- 
mour, Brig.-Gen. Alden, Hon. Bushnell White, Hon. Amasa 
Walker, Major C. N. Emerson, Charles Demond, Esq., and 
others. 

After the exercises at the church were concluded, the alumni 
met around the beautiful monument which has been erected on 
the brow of the hill, a little east of Griffin Plall (the old Chapel), 
to the memory of the sons of Williams who have fallen in the war, 
for the purpose of dedicating it. Prayer was offered by President 
Hopkins : most appropriate addresses were made by Hon. James 
D. Colt, of Pittsfield ; Hon. Joseph White, of Williamstown ; Hon. 
A. B. Olin, of Washington, D.C. ; and Hon. Emory Washburn, 
of Cambridge. 

The names placed upon the monument are Lewis Benedict, of 
the class of '37 ; Horace I. Hodges, '42 ; George D. Wells, '46; 
Thomas S. Bradley, '48 ; Henry S. Leonard, '49 ; N. Orson Ben- 
jamin, 'ol ; David B. Greene, '52 ; John Foote, '55 ; William R. 
Baxter and Charles E. Halsey, '56 ; Charles D. Sanford, '58; 
David M. Holton and Edgar Phillips, '59 ; Edward S. Brewster, 
John H. Goodhue, George A. Parker, and Edward K. Wilcox, 
'62 ; Henri H. Buxton, '63 ; Edson T. Dresser, George Hicks, 
and Edward P. Hopkins, '64 ; Fordyce A. Dyer, '65. Others may 
hereafter be added. 

Arrangements were made to build this monument two years 
ago ; and " Old Williams " was the first to inaugurate the com- 
memoration of the heroism of the graduates of colleges, as she has 
been the first in so many other good works. 

Harvard University has in contemplation a " Memorial Hall," 
which will be a beautiful and worthy commemoration of the 
heroism of her fallen sons. 

Reading was among the first towns to move in the public and 
fitting commemoration of her citizens who had died in the coun- 
try's service. 

With the return of autumn, 1865, in the new cemetery near 
the Old South Church, upon a gentle eminence, rose a beautiful 
monumental shaft. Its base of granite is five and a half feet 
square ; and above it are three plintlis, and an obelisk of handsome 
Italian marble, twelve feet high, surmounted by an eagle grasping 



648 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION. 

a battle-axe and a laurel wreath. The entire structure is a little 
more than sixteen feet in height, and cost two thousand dollars. 
Mr. A. Holden, then lately deceased, left in his will five hundred 
dollars for the object, on condition that the town should give an 
equal amount. The people did not accept the limitation on their 
part, but generously increased the stipulated sum. The names, 
date of enlistment, and day of the death, of the forty-six brave 
soldiers, are neatly engraved upon the side. On the base of the 
monument is the inscription, " Dedicated to the Sons of Reading 
who died for their Country in the Great Rebellion." 

Thursday, Sept. 28, was the day appointed for its dedication. 

Edward Appleton, Esq., was president of the day; and W. J. 
Wightman, Esq., chief marshal. 

The procession, accompanied by the Fort -Warren Band, moved from the 
Common to the Monument, where an appropriate ode, written by Mrs. P. A. 
Hannaford, was sung by the choir. 

At the conclusion of this exercise, the procession proceeded to the church, 
where the services were 0}>ened by singing a hymn composed by Miss Eliza 
Evans. 

The Rev. W. W. Haywood then read from the Scriptures passages appro- 
priate to the occasion ; after which a most devout prayer was offered by the 
Rev. William Barrows. 

The choir then sang the beautiful hymn, commencing, — ■ 

" "We shall meet, but we shall miss him." 

The address was delivered by Rev. Mr. Wilcox. In the evening, there 
was a soldiers' reception in Lyceum Hall. After partaking of a bountiful 
collation, the audience were regaled with some fine singing by a select choir, 
followed by a welcome speech from the president of the day. Other speech- 
es, in response to toasts offered, were made by Rev. Alonzo Quint, Rev. Mr. 
Barrows, and others. 

Mayor Rowland of New Bedford, in his inaugural address, 
Jan. 2, 1865, in which he offered a recommendation in relation to 
the public burying-grounds, suggested the propriety of erecting in 
one of the public cemeteries a fitting monument upon which to 
record the names of the New-Bedford soldiers killed in the war. 
The monument will be constructed of handsome light-gray Con- 
cord granite, at a cost of about ten tliousand dollars. The design 
combines an air of stability at the base, with a liglit and graceful 
shaft. The names of the deceased soldiers and sailors of the city 
will be inscribed on tablets, which will be set in the walls of the 
City Hall. The purpose of this is to render the monument chaste 



MEMORIALS OF THE DEAD. 649 

and elegant by preserving it from a mass of lettering. The cor- 
ner-stone of this monument was laid July 4, 18G6. Rev. A. H. 
Quint made a fitting and eloquent address. 

Brighton also dedicated in July a graceful monument to her 
lieroic dead. 

The subject of commemorating in some suitable way the mem- 
ories of the brave soldiers who fell in battle early awakened the 
interest it demands among the sons of Cape Cod. The Soldiers' 
Aid Society of tlie town of Eastham had on hand, at the close of 
the war, some fifty dollars ; and, through the efforts of this associa- 
tion, the amount was swelled by subscription to about two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars, with which a neat and tasteful monument 
has been obtained, and placed on the site of the old Congregational 
Meeting-house. Under the names of the dead is chiselled, — 

We were sacrificed ; hut our country lives. 
Erected by the Soldiers' Aid Society of Eastham, 1865. 

In Ashfield, the monument in memory of the fallen brave is to 
have on one side their names, and on the opposite a fountain to 
slake tlie thirst of the weary traveller. 

Roxbury, Dorchester, Worcester, and other cities, and many 
villages, have in progress or prospect similar memorials of the 
slain. 

At this moment, we find in press the latest memorial-service to 
the departed heroes in the following form : — 

THE soldiers' MEMORIAL SOCIETY 

Is organized to preserve the grateful Memory of the Soldiers of Massachusetts who have 
served in the War for the Union. 

It will collect such narratives and other memorials of their heroism as may 
be obtained for the use of the historian or student ; and it will hold itself 
ready to assist in any work of benevolence in those regions which were the 
seat of war, which may fitly show there, that, in the work of war, our soldiers 
were engaged in the highest work of humanity and justice. Our monuments 
to our brothers who have served the country shall be in the hospitals, schools, 
and other beneficent institutions, to which we can contribute in the region 
where they fought for us. 

Hon. F. B. Fay is the president of this society ; and Rev. E. E. 
Hale, secretary. 



650 MASSACHUSETTS IN THE BEBELLION. 

While we write the closing paragraph of this narrative, the glad 
news is flying over the land, that a son of Massachusetts — 
Cyrus W. Field, Esq. — has achieved the peaceful victory of sci- 
ence and capital over gigantic difficulties in the way of success ; 
linking together by the electric wire the mother-country and the 
State which was her first colony in the New World, and the 
first to resist her arrogant demands. May it be a signal and safe- 
guard to both nations of amity and prosperity ! 

With reluctance we close this record of the Commonwealth, 
whose people and work for the Republic deserve an abler pen 
and a larger volume. But her history will never be written per- 
fectly on earth : there will ever remain the unpublished annals of 
the home and heart, the sacrifice, heroism, charities, and prayer, 
recorded alone by Him who has been our own, as he was " our 
fathers' God." 



APPENDIX. 



The Battles of the Blassachusetts Eegiments. — The Public Ceremony of dejiositing the 
Battle-flags in the State House. — Tlie Koll of the departed Officers of the Regiinents. 

BATTLES OF THE IIASSACHUSETTS REGIMENTS. 

The First Eegiment. — Bull Run, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Glendale, and other 
battles on the Peninsula, Kettle Run, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericks- 
burg, Cliancellorsvllle, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Spottsylvania. 

Tlie Second. — Jackson, Front Royal, Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach- 
tree Creek, Atlanta, Raleigh, Averysborough. 

The Third. — Plymouth, Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsborough. 

The Fourth. — Bisland and Port Hudson. 

The Fifth. — Bull Run, near Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsborough, Blount's Creek, 
Mosely Creek. 

The Sixth. — Baltimore, Blackwater, Suffolk, Hebron Church. 

The Seventh. — Battles of the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor. 

The Eighth. — Blount's Creek, Expeditions to Carrituk Sound, Elizabeth City. 

The Ninth. — Battles on the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Po River, Bethesda 
Church, Shady Oak, Cold Harbor. 

The Tenth. — Battles on the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Get- 
tysburir, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsvlvania, North Anna River, 
Cold Harbor. 

The Eleventh. — First Bull Run, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage 
Station, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Bristosv Station, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Kelly's Ford, Locust Grove, Wil- 
derness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor. Petersburg, 
Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, Poplar-spring Church, Boydton Road. 

The Twelfth. — Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericks- 
burg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna 
River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg. 

Hie Thirteenth. — Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, 

The Fifteenth. — Ball's Bluff, battles on the Peninsula, Antietam, Freder- 
icksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow Station, Robertson's Tavern, 
Wilderness. 

The Sixteenth. — Fair Oaks, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Kettle Run, Chan- 
tilly, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, 
Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg. 

Tlie Seventeenth. — Kinston, Goldsborough, Batchelde.r's Creek. 

The Eighteenth. — Battles on the Peninsula, Second Bull Run, Shepardstown, 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilder- 
ness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad. 

The Nineteenth. — Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Peach 

651 



652 APPENDIX. 

Orchard, Savage Station, Wliite-oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, 
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow Station, Mine 
Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep 
Bottom, Beaver Station, Boydton Road, Vaughan Road, Farmville. 

The Twentieth. — BaWs Bluff, Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Peach 
Orchard, Savage Station, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Chantilly, Antietam, Freder- 
icksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, 
Po River, Spottsylvania, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawbeny 
Plains, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Boydton Road, Vaughan Road, Farmville. 

The Twenty-Jirst. — Roanoke Island, Newbern, Camden, Second Bull Run, 
Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Blue Spring, Campbell 
Station, siege of Knoxville, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Har- 
bor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar-spring Church, Hatcher's Run. 

The Twenty-second. — Battles before Richmond, Antietam, Fi-edericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Lauiel Hill, 
Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, Little River, Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Shady- 
grove Church, Petersburg. 

The Twenty-third. — Roanoke Island, Newbern, Rawle's Mills, Kinston, 
Goldsborough, W^ilcox Bridge, Winton, Sraithfield, Heckman's Farm, Arrow- 
field Church, Kinston 2d, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and other battles before 
Richmond. 

The Twenty-fourth. — Roanoke Island, Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsborough, 
Tranter's Creek, Newbern, James Island, Morris Island, Fort Wagner, Gi'een 
Valley, Drury's Bluff, Richmond and Petersburg Raih-oad, Weir-bottom Church 
Deep Bottom, Deep Run, Fussell's Mills, siege of Petersburg, Four-mile-run 
Church, Darby-town Road. 

The Twenty-fifth. — Roanoke, Newbern, Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsborough, 
Port Walthal, Arrowfield Church, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and other battles 
before Richmond, Wise's Forks. 

llie Twenty-sixth. — Winchester, Cedar Creek, and Fisher's Hill. 

The Twenty-seventh. — Roanoke, Newbern, Washington, Gum Swamp, Wal- 
thal, ArroAvficld Church, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and other battles before 
Richmond, South-west Creek. 

The Twenty-eighth. — James Island, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Moun- 
tain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow Station, 
Mine Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Petersburg, South- 
side Railroad. 

The Twenty-ninth. — Hampton Roads, Gaines's Mills, Savage Station, White- 
oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicks- 
burg, Jackson, Blue Springs, Campbell Station, siege of Knoxville, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Fort Stedman. 

The Thirtieth. — Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Plains Stores, Port Hudson, Don- 
aldsville, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill. 

The Thirty-frst. — Bisland, Port Hudson, Brashear City, Sabine Cross-roads, 
Cane-river Crossing, Alexandria, Governor Moore's Plantation, Yellow Bayou, 
and in the several actions during the siege of Mobile. 

The Thirty-second. — Malvern Hill, Gainesville, Set.'ond Bull Run, Chantilly, 
Antietam, Fi-edericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, 
Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Bethesda 
Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Vaughan Road, Dabney's Mills, Boyd- 
ton Road, White-oak Road. 

The Thirty-third. — Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Gettys- 
burg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and the battles of Gen. Sherman. 

The Thirty-fourth. — Berry ville, Newmarket, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's 
Gap, Martinsburg, Halltown, Berryville, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, 
Cedar Creek 2d, Hatcher's Run, Petersburg. 

The Thirty-fifth. — Antietam, Fredericksburg, Jackson, Campbell Station, 
siege of Knoxville, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Weldon Rail- 
road, South Mountain, Vicksburg, Poplar-spring Church, Hatcher's Run, Fort 
Sedgewick, Fort Mahone, Petersburg. 



APPENDIX. 653 

The Thirty-sixth. — Frederioksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Blue Springs, Canij> 
bell Station, siege of Knoxville, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold 
Harbor, Petersburg, Poplar-spring Church, Hatcher's Run. 

The Thirty-seventh.— Yx^'Xe.Ywkihmg, Mayre's Heights, Salem Heights, Get- 
tysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Peters- 
burg, Fort Stedman, Opequan. 

The Thirty-eighth. — BisXdiXid, Cane River, Mansura, Port Hudson, Opequan, 
Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek. 

The Thirty-ninth. — Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tol- 
opotomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Dabney's Mills, 
Gravelly Run, Five Forks. 

The Fortieth. — Engagements on the Blackwater, bombardments of Forts 
Sumter and Waauer, siege of Charleston, Olustee, Ten-mile Run, Jacksonville, 
Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Fort Harrison, Fair Oaks, and the several battles 
before Petersburg and Richmond. 

The Forty-first. — Irish Bend, guerilla-fights (see Thinl Cavalry). 

The Forty-second. — Galxeston, Port Hudson, Lafourche Crossing. 

The Forty-third. — Kinston, Whitehall, Blount's Creek. 

The Forty-fourth. — Kinstou, Whitehall, Goldsborough, Washington. 

The Forty-fifth. — Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsborough. 

The Forty-sixth. — Newbern, siege of Washington, Batchelder's Creek. 

The Forty-eighth. — Plains Stores, Port Hudson. 

The Forty-ninth. — Plains Stores, Port Hudson, Bayou Lafourche. 

The Fiftieth. — Port Hudson. 

The Fifty-first.— \N\niii-o^k Creek. 

The Fifty-second. — Port Hudson, Near Jackson Cross-roads. 

The Fifty-third. — l^eur Pattersonville, Fort Bisland, Port Hudson. 

The Fifty-fourth. — ¥ovt Wagner, and the several engagements before Charles- 
ton, Olustee, James Island, Honey Hill, Boykin's Mills. 

The Fifty-fifth. — Sie^e of Charleston, James Island, Honey Hill. 

The Fifty-sixth. — Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar-spring Church, Hatcher's Run, siege of 
Petersburg. 

The Fifty-seventh. — Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar-spring Church, Hatcher's Run. 

The Fifti/-eighth. — Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Pe- 
tersbura, Weldon Railroad, Poplar-spring Church, Fort Sedge wick. Fort Mahone. 

The'^Fify-ninth. — WMerness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar-spring Church, Hatcher's Run, Fort 
Stedman. 

The Sixty first. — Petersburg. 

The First Cavah-y Rer/iment. — FoolesviWe, South Mountain, Antietam, Fred- 
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Aldie, Upperville, Gettysburg, 
Williamsport, Culpeper, Auburn, Todd's Tavern, fortifications of Richmond, 
Vaughan Road, St. Mary's Church, Cold Harbor, Bellefield. 

The Second. — South Anna Bridge, Ashley's Gap, Drainsville, Aldie, Fort 
Stevens, Fort Reno, Rockville, Pootesville, Summit Point, Halltown, Opequan, 
Winchester, Luray, Waynesborough, Tom's Brook, Cedar Creek, South Anna, 
White-oak Road, Berry ville. Berry ville Pike, Charlestown, Dinwiddle Court 
House, Five Forks, Sayloi-'s Creek, Appomattox Court House. 

The Third. — Irish Bend, Henderson Hill, Cane River, Port Hudson, Sa- 
bine-cross Roads, Muddy Bayou, Piney Woods, Red-river Campaign, Opequan, 
Fisher's Hill, Snasj Point, Winchester, Cedar Creek. 

The Fo«r?/i.— "Gainesville, Fla., Drury's Bluff, and at several of the engage- 
ments in front of Petersburg and Richmond. 
The F//?/i. — Bailor's Farm, Va. 

Light Batteries. — Fiist Light Battery. — West Point, Mechanicsville, Gaines's 
Mill, Charles-city Cross-roads, Malvern Hill, Bull Run, Crampton Pass, South 
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Sander's 



654 APPENDIX. 

House, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, 
Winchester, Fisher's Hill. 

The Second. — Vieksburg, Baton Rouge, Sabine Cross-roads, Jackson, Clai- 
borne, Ala., Daniel's Plantation. 

The Third. — Yorktown, siege of Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Mechan- 
icsville, Gaines's Mills, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Shepardstown, Leestown, Fred- 
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Middleburg, Gettysburg, Mine Run. Wilderness, 
Laurel Hill, Sjwttsylvania, North Anna River, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, siege of Petersburg, Si.K-iuile Station, Weldon Railroad. 

The Fowr//;. — Ponchitoula, i3aton Rouge, Bonfuca, Bisland, Port Hudson, Vir- 
milion, and the several engagements of the siege of Mobile. 

The Fifth. — Yorktown," Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines's 
Mills, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
burg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Si)Ottsylvania, North 
Anna, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run. 

The Sixth. — BWoxi, Pass Christian, New Orleans, Brashear City, Houma, 
Vicksburg,Baton Rouge, Laberdiersville, Bisland, Port Hudson, Bayou Lafourche. 

The Seventh. — Deserted House, South Quay, Somerton, Providence Church- 
road, Hollands's House, Mansura, and the several engagements of the siege of 
Mobile. 

The Ninth. — Gettysburg, Mine Run, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, 
Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run. 

The Tenth. — Kelly's Ford, Mine Run, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna, 
Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Boydton 
Road, Hatcher's Run. 

The Eleventh. — Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Peters- 
burg, Weldon Railroad, Fort Stedman. 

First Regiment of Heavy Artillerfj.' — Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, 
Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawlaerry Plains, Deep Bottom, Poplar - spring 
Church, Boydton Road, Hatcher's Run, Duncan's Run, Vaughan Road. 

THE BATTLE-FLAGS IN THE STATE-HOUSE. 

May 15, 1865, it was ordered that voUinteer regiments and batteries, on their return 
to their respective States, when mustered out and discharged, should deposit their colors 
with the chief United-States mustering-officers, to be by them transferred to the gover- 
nors of the States. 

Dec. 13, two State orders were issued : one of which, in accordance with the 
above, called for the deposit of the flags ; the other, in response to the ardent 
desire expressed by officers to be present when the ceremony transpired, ap- 
ppinted the 2 2d of the month for a grand procession, over which the old banners 
would lloat, and be borne to the Capitol. 

Gen. Couch, the ranking-officer of the State, accepted the command of the 
procession ; and Brig.-Gen. E. W. Hinks was appointed chief of staff. Lieut.- 
Col. C. C. Holmes commanded the escort of honor, the Independent Corps of 
Cadets. 

Records the Adjutant-General : — 

The weather, though cold, was pleasant. The earth was clothed with a slight 
covering of snow. 

As an appropriate feature of the exercises, the citizens very generally dis- 
played the " stars and stripes," and the national flag floated proudly on the 
breeze from every flagstaff and public building in the city. The Old State 
House was handsomely decorated on the end facing State Street. The national 
colors were tastefully arranged ; and several small arches were inscribed with 
suitable welcomes to the veterans, and mottoes significant of the present peace- 
ful condition of affairs. 

The procession which was to escort the flags to the State House was formed 



APPENDIX. 655 

on Park street, Tromont-street, and Beacon-street Malls. The Common pre- 
sented a livel}' and picturesque appearance while the column was getting into 
line. Gen. Couch liad his headfjuarters' tent pitched on tlie Park-street 
Mall, near the o-ate ; and the colors of the diiferent regiments Avere delivered to 
the officers of the respective commands from his tent. His forces on this occa- 
sion were a bannered host, such as never before collected within these public 
grounds ; and their tattered yet brilliant insignia glistened in the sharp sunlight 
reflected from the burnished snowy crust covering the earth. 

Before the procession started, the formality of passing over the flags from 
Brevet-Col. Francis N. Clarke, chief United-States mustering-ofKcer, — in 
whose office a large number of them had been deposited, — to Gen. Couch, 
•was performed at the headquarters of the general in command. This duty was 
done by Col. Clarke in the following remarks : — 

Major-Gen. Couch, —As the authorized afccat of his Excellency the Governor to re- 
ceive 'them, it is with pleasure I place in your hands, to be by you delivered into the cus- 
tody of the State, such colors of Massachusetts troops as are now in my possession. 
Your long and faithful services, as well as your intimate connection with Massachusetts 
regiment?^ point to you as eminently the proper person lor the delivery of these colors to 
their final resting-place. The thorough identification of the Governor, in his official ca- 
pacitv, with the various oruanizations, makes your surrender of them into his hands, on 
the eve of his retirement from office, an occasion of more than ordinary inrerest. It is the 
closintr >cene of official relationship. These colors are to become the property of the State, 
to be^placed in her archives, —there to remain, to the nation, emblems of victory and a 
re-established Union; to Massachusetts, testimonials of the fidelity of her Governor, and 
the courage, devotion, and honor of her sons. 

Gen. Couch replied as follows : — 

Col. Clakke, — It is with deep emotion that I receive from j'our hands these elo- 
quent emblems of the fidelity, bravery, and patriotic devotion to their country, of the Massa- 
chusetts soldiery. No language can so forcibly exhibit the hardships they have endured, 
or the perils they have encountered. Many who have fought bravely under their folds 
have sealed their' devotion to tlieir coiuitry'with a patriot's grave. To those who have 
been spared to bear them on to final triumph devolves the privilege of returning them to 
the Commonwealth, in the consciousness that the object for which they were unfurled 
has been fully accomplished, the principles they symbolize triumphantly vindicated, and 
the Union of'the States restored upon a firm and enduring basis. 

The procession started with military punctuality nearly at the time appoint- 

e(l eleven o'clock. First came the escort, consisting of the Independent 

Cadets, with their two howitzers, commanded by Lieut.-Cul. C. C. Holmes. 
The Cadets turned out with full ranks, and presented their usual excellent ap- 
pearance. They were accompanied by the Brigade Band. Succeeding the 
escort were the general commanding and his staft", consisting of the following- 
named officers : — 



Chief of Staff. — Brig.-Gen. Edward W. Hmks. . ,t • /- 

Aides to Gemrol Commandinff.— Col. A. F. Devereux, Col. and Brevet Major-Gen. 
Georo-e N. Macy, Lieut.-Goi. Giles A. Rich, Major .lohn B. Burt, Major James Brown, 
Capt? Augustus* Crocker, Lieut, and Brevet Major Linus H. Comins. 

Swroeoji! — Major Patrick A. O'Connell. 

Aides to C kief of Staff. — Capt. and Brevet Major J. H. Sleeper, Capt. and Brevet Col. 
William L. Palmer, Capt. Joseph J. Baker. 

The brigade of cavalry, under the command of Brig.-Gen. E. A. Wild, who 
had a brilliant staff, consisted of a delegation of the First Frontier Cavalry, forty 
stron<r ; the Fifth (colored) Cavalry," under the command of Major Adams, 
fifU' men ; and the Third INIassachusetts, Licut.-Col. Muzzcy, a hundred men 
and twenty officers. The Third had the right of the brigade ; then followed the 
Fif^th ; ancl the representatives of the Frontier Cavalry were the last in the 
cavalry line. 

The artillery division made a superb display. It was under the command of 
Brevet JMajor-Gen. Joseph Hayes. The batteries were under the immediate 
lead of Capt. and Brevet Col. Augustus P.Martin; while the hcavy-artdlery 
regiments were led by Col. William S. King. 



656 APPENDIX. 

The infantry corps was commanded by Brevet Major-Gen. Gordon, and 
consisted of three divisions, under the command of Bri,2.-Gen. Cowdin, Brig, 
and Brevet Major-Gen. Charles J. Paine, and Col. and Brevet Brig.-Gen. Wil- 
liam S. Tilton. 

Nearly every Massachusetts infantry regiment was represented in the line. 
All the flags were inscribed with the names of the battles into which they had 
been borne, and most of the banners told their own story of hot strife for the 
country. 

The'flags which gave the most unequivocal evidence of having passed through 
a severe ordeal were the most loudly cheered as the procession moved over tlie 
route previously arranged to the State House. In State Street, the battle-rent 
banners were loudly applauded. 

The residents of Union-park Street provided hot coffee for the veterans as 
they marched along. The kindness was thoroughly appreciated by the " boys in 
blue." 

On Tremont Street, where the column entered Pleasant Street, a large crowd 
gathered to see the pageant. Among the throng were a number of children 
with banners bearing mottoes, one of which was, " Wave, colors, over our sacred 
dead ! " 

The head of the procession reached the Capitol about one o'clock ; which was 
announced by a detachment of light artillery, under Capt. Cummings, firing a 
salute upon the Common. As the regiments arrived, the color-bearers dejDloyed 
upon the steps in front of the edifice ; while the remainder of the cavalry, artil- 
lery, and infantry commands, gathered in the yard on either side. Gilmore's 
Band played some appropriate music while those carrying the colors were taking 
their positions. 

Besides the military within the State-house grounds, there was an immense 
crowd of persons on the street in front of the building. The scene — with the 
multipliiity of banners occupying the centre of the grouping, the military on either 
side, and the people in the foreground — Avas singularly enlivening and impos- 
ing. As the Governor and staff and other invited guests appeared, the colors 
were with one impulse raised, and loud cheering succeeded from all sides. 
Three of the color-bearers of the Nineteenth Regiment in the procession had 
but one arm. The colors of the Twentieth Regiment were carried by those who 
had not borne them before : the brave fellows who held them in battle have 
gone, and left their comrades to tell how nobly they defended the flag to the 
end. The popular Sergeant Plunkett, who lost both arms while bearing the col- 
ors of his regiment, walked in the procession, in front of the standard, and was 
at every point enthusiastically cheered. Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop, D.D., chap- 
lain of the Cadets, made a most appropriate and fervent prayer. 

Gen. Couch stepped forward, and addressed Gov. Andrew as follows : — 

May it please your Excellency, — We have come here to-day as the representatives of the 
army of vohmteei-s furnished by Massachusetts for the suppression of the Rebellion, bring- 
ing these colors hi order to return them to the State who intrusted them to our keeping. 
You must, however, pardon us if we give them up with profound regret; for these tattei-ed 
shreds forcibly remind us of long and fiitiguing marches, cold bivouacs, and many hard- 
fought battles. The rents in their folds, the battle-stains on their escutcheons, the blood 
of our comrades that has sanctified the soil of a hundred fields, attest the_ sacrifices that 
have been made, the courage and constancy shown, that the nation might live. It is, sir, 
a peculiar satisfaction and pleasure to us, that you, who have been an honor to the state 
aiid nation from your marked patriotism and fidelity throughout the war, and have been 
identified with everv organization before you, are now heie to receive back, as the State 
custodian of her pre"cious relics, these emblems of the devotion of her sons. May it please 
your lixcellency, the colors of the Massachussetts volunteers are returned to the State. 

Gov. Andrew replied in the following brief but beautiful and eloquent ad- 
dress : — 

General, — This pageant, so full of pathos and of glory, forms the concluding scene in 
the long series of visible actions and events in which Mas"sachusetts has borne a part for 
the overthrow of rebellion and the vindication of the Union. 



APPENDIX. 



657 



These banners return to the Government of the Commonwealth throuf^h welcome hands. 
Borne one bj' one out of this Capitol, during more than four years of civil war, as the 
symbols of the nation and the commonwealth under which the battalions of Massachu- 
setts departed to the field, they come back again, borne hither by surviving represents^ 
tives of the same heroic regiments and companies to which they were intrusted. 

At the hands, general, of yourself, — the ranking-officer of the volunteers of the Com- 
monwealth (one of the earliest who accepted a regimental command under appointment of 
the Governor of llass^achusetts), — and of this grand column of scarred and heroic veterans 
who guard them home, they are returned with honors becoming relics so venerable, sol- 
diers so brave, and citizens so beloved. 

Proud memories of many a field; sweet memories alike of valor and friendship; sad 
memories of fraternal strife; tender memories of our fallen brothers and sons, whose dying 
eyes looked last upon their flaming folds ; grand memories of heroic virtues sublimed by 
grief; exultant memories of the great and final victory of our country, our Union, and the 
riijhteous cause; thankful memories of a deliverance wrought out for human nature 
itself, unexampled by any former achievement of arms; immortal memories with immor- 
tal honors blended, — twine around these splintered staves, weave themselves along the warp 
and woof of these familiar flags, war-worn, begrimed, and baptized with blood. 

Let the " brave heart, the trusty heart, the deep, unfathomable heart," in words of more 
than mortal eloquence, uttered though unexpressed, speak the emotions of grateful ven- 
eration for which these lips of mine are alike too feeble and unworthy. 

General, I accept these relics in behalf of the people and the Government. They will 
be preserved and cherished, amid all the vicissitudes of the future, as mementoes of "brave 
men and noble actions. 

The immense throng then dispersed, and the colors were placed in the Doric 
Hall of the State House, where they will remain to testify to future years of the 
courage and endurance manifested by the troops of Massachusetts during four of 
the most eventful years of its history. 

As a fitting finale to this grand pageant, we place on record the noble lyric 
addressed to the Governor by a gentleman who has borne a brave and noble 
part in this great war ; one who, when the war began, was chief of his per- 
sonal staff, and who afterwards resigned that position, and went to the war as 
lieutenant-colonel of the First Regiment Massachusetts Cavalry, afterwards 
promoted colonel ; and who, wounded, and broken in health, came home, after 
three years' active military service, with the stars of a brigadier-general upon 
his shoulders, earned by meritorious conduct and conspicuous gallantry. 

Severe domestic affliction prevented Brig.-Gen. Sargent from appearing in 
the procession. He saw it from his window pass along. The sight filled his 
heart, and he wrote this lyric : — 



THE EETUEN OP THE STANDARDS. 



TO niS EXCELLENCY JOHN A. ANDREW, 

Who suggested the first provision of two thousand soldiers' overcoats in the winter of 
1S61, — by which measure, so much ridiculed in proslavery journals, our militia were able 
to reach Washington earlier than all others, and well furnished for active service,— a sol- 
dier, full of respect, gratitude, and affection, dedicates these verses without permission. 

One of the First Massachusetts Cavaley. 
BOSTON, Jan. 1, 1866. 



I. 

Hark to the fife and drum ! 
Look at them ! How they come ! 
Horse and foot, how they come! 
All of them? No! For some — 
Some of the best of them — 
Azrael tested them — 
Did not come back. 
Where are the rest of them, 
Some of the j'oungest 
And bravest and best of them V 
Ask parlor strategists, 
Wont to make jest of them. 
Azuael, Azrael, Azrael tested them! 
83 



See those pale shadows ! 

Can they be the rest of them? 

Look at them ! GitosTs ! 

Who are riding abreast of them? 

If you would know of them, 

Some of the best of them. 

Chosen by Death 

When he made the fierce test of them, 

Look through the years 

Of the war-eagle"s track; 

Look at the headstones 

That lie in the track, 

All wet with hot tears, 

When iluy did not come back. 



658 



APPENDIX. 



II. 

Infantry, cavalrv, 
Flying artillery I 
Cannon 1 
America, Africa, 
Come to this revelry 
Of the States' chivalry! 

Cannon ! 
Wake, with your reveille, 
iiusket and brand ! 

Cannon ! 
Here comes my regiment ! 
God! what a skeleton! ■ 
Hardly a peleton 
Of the battalions 
That went from the land! 

Cannon ■> 
Hush ! Look at the flanks of them ! 
See those dim ranks of them ! 
Violet banks of them ! 
All the command, 
As it loomed in the old time 
From fog of Sea Islands 
And black whirlwinds of sand. 

Cannon ! 
Hoofs and wild wings hum ; 
Trumpet drowns fife and drum: 
See! a storm of hosts, they come! 
Columns of squadrons, 
In column, battalions ! 
Shadowy riders 
On phantoms of stallions ! 
Martinets, dandies. 
With tatterdemalions ! 
Nameless heroes crowd heroes 
Of deathless medallions ! 
Great God ! how they push 
To the front with a rush ! 
Boots clinging, spurs stinging, 
And long scabbards ringing 
Against "the black muzzles 
Of slung carabines swinging! 
What a band ! 
Bare sabres in hand, — 
Incarnadined sabres, 
That redden the hand ! 

III. 

Ah that fierce gathering, 
Quivering, quivering! 
Cloud rack, all feathery. 
Against the wind shivering! 
Sabres bend, trembling. 



In hands of the dead ! 
Like fog meeting headland, 
These spectres irom Deadland, 
These ghosts of the red hand 
From over the border. 
Break ranks in disorder, 
And melt against shadows 
Of sunlight and shade. 

Cannon ! 
The settled air quivers: 
The pageant has fled. 
Their presence but seeming! 
The soldiers are dreaming. 
In the graves where they lie, 
That they rise from the dead. 
Where guidons are streaming. 

Where trumpets are screaming, 

And cannons' flash gleaming, 

And sabre-points beaming. 

The soldiers are dreaming 

The dreams of the dead. 

All their eff"ort is seeming! 

All voiceless their screaming; 

In uneasy graves dreaming 

Nightma'i es of the dead ! 

IV. 
Cannon ! 
Spite of man's blundering. 
Long years of wondering, 
God's'raills keep thundering, 
Grinding away! 

Soldiers! — who sneers at themr 
What coward jeers at them? 
The continent cheers at them: 
Who are the peers of them ? 
Tell me this day. 
Soldiers in tattered rags, 
Torn as your shattered flags, 
Under vour battle-rags, 
Glorious blood-spattered flags, 
Sheltered to-day ! 
As you march up the hill. 
Men feel their eyelids fill. 
Cowards are cowards still. 
Woman's \varm pulses thrill 
As the ghosts, mute and still, 
Breathe on them icy-chill. 
And the guns thunder till 
All fades away, — 
Till the century's pageant 
Has faded away ! 
Boston, Forefathers' Day, Dec. 22, 1865. 



EOLL OF HONOR. 

This hotiored roll of Massachusetts' dead has been very ^^^^f "^ ^^^^^^^^ 
It is the roll of upwards of four hundred commissioned officers ot Massachusetts 
who laid down their lives for their country, most of them upon the field of battle.* 

First Regiment. 
Charles P. Chandler, Major, June 30, 1862; ^iUed, batUe of Glen^ale ^^^_ 

Neill K. Gunn, Assistant Surgeon, June 3, 1863; diea, rocoraac-i.reeB. j. 

CharTerE^Rlnd, Captain, Mav 2, 1S63; killed, Chancellorsville,ya. 

* This list of the dead is copied from the Adjutant-General's Eeport. 



APPENDIX. 659 

John M. Mandeville, First Lieutenant, Aug. 30, 1862; killed, Bull Run, Va. 
Henrv Hartley, First Lieutenant, Julv 2, 1863; killed, Gettvsburfr, Penn. 
Eliiaii B. Gill", jun.. Second Lieutenant, July 21, ISGl; killed, Bull Run. Va. 
William H. B. Smith, Second Lieutenant, July 18, 1861; killed, Blackstone Ford, Va. 

Second Regiment. 
Wilder Dwiffht, Lieutenant-Colonel, Sept. 19, 1862; died of wounds received at Antietam, 

Sept. 17. . 
James Sava,2;e, jun., Lieutenant-Colonel, Oct. 22, 1862; died of wounds received at Cedar 

Mountain, Va. 
James Wightman, Assistant Surgeon, June 15, 1863; died of disease, at Acquia Landing, 

Va., .Tune 15, 1863. 
William H. He;ith, Surgeon, Aug. 23, 1864; died of disease, at Chattanooga, Tenn. 
Charles R. Mudge, Lieutenant-Colonel, July 3, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 
Edward G. Abbott, Captain, Aug. 9, 1862; killed, Cedar Mountain, VaT 
Richard Cary, Captain, Aug 9, 1862; killed, Cedar Mountain, Va. 
Richard C. Goodwin, Captain. Aug. 9, 1862; killed. Cedar Mountain, Va. 
William B. Williams, Captain, Aug. 9, 1862; killed. Cedar :\Iountain, Va. 
Thomas R. Robeson, Captain, July 3, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 
J. IngersoU Grafton, Captain, JIarch 16, 1865; killed in action, Averysborongh, N.C. 
Thornas B. Fox, Captain, July 25, 1863; died of wounds received at Getty-^burg, Penn. 

Stephen G. Perkins, First Lieutenant, Aug 9, 1862; killed. Cedar Mountain, Va. . 

WiUiam D. Sedgewick, First Lieutenant, Sept. 27, 1862; died of wounds, on Gen. Sedge- , 

wick's staff. 
Gerald Fitzgerald, First Lieutenant, May 3, 1863; killed, Chancellorsville, Va. 
Caleb N. Lord, First Lieutenant, June 29, 1864; died of wounds received at Kenesaw 

Mountain, Ga. 
Samuel Storrow, First Lieutenant, March 16, 1865; killed in action. 
Henry W. D. Stone, Second Lieutenant, July 3, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

1 
Seventh Regiment. 1 

Prentiss M. Wliiting, Captain, May 4, 1863; died of wounds received at Fredericksburg. l 

Jesse D. Bullock, Fu-st Lieutenant, June 25, 1862; died of wounds received at S""air J 

Oaks, Va. \ 

Albert A. Tillson, First Lieutenant, May 3, 1863; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 
Henry W. Nicbols, First Lieutenant, May 12, 1864; died of wonnds, Spottsylvania, Va. 
Peleg Mitchell, Second Lieutenant, Aug." 10, 1862; died at hospital, Baltimwe, Md. 

Ninth Regiment. 

Thomas Cass, Colonel, July 12, 1862; died in Boston, of wounds received before Rich- 
mond. 

Robert Peard, Lieutenant-Colonel, Jan. 27, 1862; died of disease. 

Thomas Mooney, First Lieutenant, Quartermaster, March 17, 1863; accidentally killed at a 
hurdle-race. 

William Madigan, Captain, June 27, 1862 ; killed, Gaines's Mills, Va. 

John Carev. Captain, June 27, 1862: killed, Gaines's Mills, Va. 

Jeremiah O'Xeil, Captain, June 27, 1S62; killed, Gaines's Mills, Va. 

James E. McCahertv, Captain, June 27, 1862; killed, Gaines's Mills, Va. 

William A. Plielan, "Captain, May 5, 1864; killed. Wilderness, Va. 

James W. McXamara, Captain; "died of wounds received May 5. 1864, at WCdemess, Va. 

John H. Rnflertv, First Lieutenant, July 1, 1862: killed, Malvern Hill, Va. 

Edward McSweeney, First Lieutenant, .Inly 1, 1862; killed, JLalvern Hill, Va. 

Richard P. Nugent," First Lieutenant, June 27. 1862; killed, Gaines's Mills, Va. j 

Archibald Simpson, First Lieutenant, May 5, 1864 ; killed, Wilderness, Va. \ 

Nicholas C. Flaherty, First Lieutenant, May 5, 1864; billed Wilderness, Va. - 

Francis O'Dowd, Second Lieutenant, June 27, 1864; killetl, Gaines's Mills, Va. 

Charles B. McGiimiskin, Second Lieutenant; died of wounds received May 5, 1864, at 

Wilderness, Va. ,:. 

Philip E. Redmond, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1863; died in hospital at Washing- (j 

ton, D.C. ^, 

James O'Neil, Second Lieutenant, May 9, 1864; killel. Wilderness, Va. || 

Tenth Regiment. 
Dexter F. Parker, Major; died of wounds received May 12, 1864. 
Ozro Miller, Major, July 1, 1862; killed, Malvern Hill,"Va. 

Elisha Smart, Captain, "Mav 31, 1862; killed. Seven Pines, Va. ,"| 

p:d\vin E. Day, Captain, M'ay 31, 1862; killed, Seven Pines, Va. ' 

James H. Wetherell, Captain, June 20, 1864; died of wounds received May 20, 1864, at { 

Spottsylvania, Va. 1 

William A" Ashley, First Lieutenant, May 5, 1864 ; killed. Wilderness, Va. | 



660 APPENDIX. 

Edwin B. Bartlett, First Lieutenant, May 18, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 
Alansou E. Munyan, First Lieutenant, May 21, 1864; died of wounds received at Wilder- 
ness, Va. ^ . r. ^ 1- -ir 

George F. PoUey, First Lieutenant, June 20, 1864; killed m action, near Petersburg, Va. 
Benjamin F. Leland, Second Lieutenant, May 31, 1862; killed, Seven Pines, Va. 
N. P. A. Blair, Second Lieutenant, July 11, 1862; died at Harrison's Landing, Va. 
Alfred E. Midgley, Second Lieutenant; died of wounds received May 5, 1864, at Wilder- 
ness, Va. 

Eleventh Regiment. 
William Blaisdell, Colonel, June 23, 1864; killed before Petersburg, Va. 
George F. Tileston, Lieutenant-Colonel, Aug. 29, 1862; killed. Bull Run. 
Luther V Bell, Surgeon, Feb. 11, 1862; died in line of duty. 

Benjamin Stone, jun., Captain, Sept. 10, 1862; died of wounds received at Bull Run. 
Albert M. Gamm'ell, Captain, Dec. 17, 1863; killed at Chelsea, Mass.; run over by railroad 

David A. Granger, Captain, Oct. 27, 1864; left on field, Petersburg, Va. 
Alexander McTavish, Captain, Oct. 27, 1864; killed, Petersburg, Va. 
Peter T. Goldie, First Lieutenant, Sept. 13, 1864; killed in action near Petersburg, Va. 
Thomas G. Bowden, First Lieutenant, July 21, 1861; killed at Bull Run, Va. 
Alonzo Coy, First Lieutenant; killed. 

William R. Porter, First Lieutenant, Aug. 29, 1862; killed at Bull Run, Va. 
John Munn, First Lieutenant, May 3, 1863; died of wounds. 

John S. Harris, First Lieutenant, May 3, 1863; died of wounds, Chancellorsville, Va. 
William B. Morrill, First Lieutenant, May 3, 1863; died of disease, at Newton, Mass. 
William B. Mitchell, Second Lieutenant, July 30, 1863; died at Massachusetts General Hos- 
pital, Boston. 

Twelfth Refjlment. 

Fletcher Webster, Colonel, Aug. 30, 1862; killed. Bull Run, Va. 

Elisha M. Burbank, Mnjor, Nov. 29, 1862; died of wounds received at Antietara, Md. 

Albert A. Kendall, Assistant Surgeon, Sept. 17, 1862 ; killed at Antietara, Md. 

David Allen, jun., Lieutenant-Colonel, Mav 5, 1864; killed at Wilderness, Va. 

Richard H. Kimball, Captain, Aug. 30, 1862; killed at Bull Run, Va. 

Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, jun.. Captain, Aug. 9, 1862; killed at Cedar Mountain, Va. 

John Ripley, Captain, Dec. 20, 1862; died of wounds. 

John S. Stoddard, Captain, May 10, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

William G. White, First Lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1862 ; died of wounds received at Antie- 
tara, Md. 

Arthur Dehon, First Lieutenant, Dec. 13, 1862 ; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Lysander F. Gushing, First Lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietara, Md. 

Francis Thomas, First Lieutenant, July 2, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Charles G. Russell, First Lieutenant, July 2, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

WDliam Robinson, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1864; died of wounds received at Spottsyl- 
vania, Va. 

David B. Burrill, First Lieutenant, May 24, 1864; killed. North Anna River, Va. 

James G. Smith, First Lieutenant, June 6, 1864; died of wounds. 

George W. Orne, Second Lieutenant; died of wounds received Sept. 17, 1862, in action. 

Edward J. Kidder, Second Lieutenant, May 10, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

Thirteenth Regiment. 
George Bush, Captain, April 30, 1863 ; killed by shell, Fitz-Hugh House, Va. 
Charles W. Whitcomb, First Lieutenant, May 8, 1864; killed. Wilderness, Va. 
Joseph H. Stuart, First Lieutenant, May 10, 1864; died of wounds, Wilderness, Va. 
William Cordwell, Second Lieutenant, April 30, 1863; killed by shell, Fitz-Hugh House, Va. 

Fifteenth Regiment. 

George H. Ward, Colonel, July 2, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Samuel F. Haven, jun.. Surgeon, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Clarke S. Simonds, Captain, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietara, Md. 

Moses W. Gatchell, Captain, Oct. 21, 1862; killed, Ball's Bluff, Va. 

John Murkland, Captain, July 2, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Hans P. Jorgenson, Captain, 'July 2, 1863 ; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Charles H. Stevens, Captain, Oct 15, 1863; died of wounds received Oct. 14, 1863, at Ma- 
nassas Junction. 

Nelson Bartholomew, First Lieutenant, Nov. 21, 1861 ; died in Philadelphia, Penn. 

Richard Derby, First Lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietara, Md. 

Thomas J. Spurr, First Lieutenant, Sept. 27, 1862; died of wounds received at Antie- 
tara, Md. 

Frank S. Corbin, First Lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietara, Md. 



APPENDIX. 661 

Elisha G. Buss, First Lieutenant; died of wounds received July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, 
Penn. 

Dwight Newbury, First Lieutenant, Nov. 27, 1863; died of wounds received, Robertson's 
Tavern, Va. 

George B. Simonds, First Lieutenant, May 10, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

J. William Grout, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 21, 1861; killed. Ball's Bluff, Va. 

Caleb H. Arnold, Second Lieutenant, July 20, 1863; died of wounds received at Gettys- 
burg, Penn. 

Sixteenth Regiment. 

Powell T. Wyman, Colonel, June 30, 1862; killed, Glendale, Va. 

Arthur B. Fuller, Chaplain, Dec. 12, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Waldo Merriam, Lieutenant-Colonel, May 12, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

Leander G. King, Captain, July 2, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Charles R. Johnson, Captain, July 17, 1863; died of wounds received at Gettysburg, Penn. 

Alexander J. Dallas, Captain, May 3, 1863; killed, Chancellorsville, Va. 

David W. Roche, Captain, Julv 3, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Joseph S. Hills, Captain, May"6, 1863; killed. Wilderness, Va. 

James Rowe, Captain ; died of wounds received May 31, 1864. 

James R. Darracott, First Lieutenant, Aug. 29, 1862; killed, Bull Run, Va. 

Francis P. H. Rogers, First Lieutenant, June 18, 1862; killed. Fair Oaks, Va. 

George F. Brown, First Lieutenant, July 3, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

John H. Woodfin, First Lieutenant, May 6, 1864; killed. Wilderness, Va. 

James E. Sharp, Second Lieutenant, March 20, 1863; killed on railroad, at Kingston, R.L 

Hiram B. Banks, Second Lieutenant, Aug. 29, 1862; killed, Rull Run, Va. 

George S. Evans, Second Lieutenant, Nov. 11, 1862; died of disease at Manassas, Va. 

Hiram Rowe, Second Lieutenant, May 10, 1862 ; died of wounds received May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
Samuel G. Savage, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1862; died of wounds received May 3, 

1863, at Chancellorsville, Va. 

Seventeenth Regiment. 

Thomas J. C. Amory, Colonel, Oct. 7, 1864; died of yellow-fever, at Newbern, N.C. 
Levi P. Thompson, Captain, Sept. 20, 1862; died of disease, at Newbern, N.C. 
Barnabas N. Mann, First Lieutenant, Oct. 8, 1864; died at Charleston, S.C., — rebel prison. 
George W. Tufts, First Lieutenant, Oct. 27, 1861 ; died of disease, at Baltimore, Md. 

Eighteenth Regiment. 

George C. Ruby, Captain, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Joseph W. Collingwood, Captain, Dec. 24, 1862; died of wounds received at Fredericks- 
burg, Va. 

Charles ^V. Carroll, Captain, Aug. 30, 1862; killed. Bull Run, Va. 

William G. Hewins, Captain, May 3, 1863; killed, Chancellorsville, Va. 

Charles F. Pray, Captain, June 3, 1864 ; killed, Bethesda Church, Va. 

George F. Hodges, First Lieutenant, Adjutant, Jan. 31, 1862; die<l. Hall's Hill, Va. 

Warren D. Russell, Fii'st Lieutenant, Aug. 30, 1862; killed. Bull Run, Va. 

Pardon Almy, jun.. Second Lieutenant, Aug. 30, 1862 ; killed, Bull Run, Va. 

John Dwight Jssbell, Second Lieutenant, July 16, 1862; died of disease, hospital, Harri- 
son's Landing, Va. 

James B. Hancock, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

George F. Weston, Second Lieutenant, Jan. 5, 1864; died, Boston, of wounds received at 
Rappahannock Station, Va. 

Nineteenth Regiment. 
Henry J. How, Major, June 30, 1862; killed. Fair Oaks, Va. 
Isaac H. Boyd, Major, April 7, 1865; died of wounds. 
John E. Hill, Assistant Surgeon, Sept. 11, 1862; died. 
George W. Batchelder, Captain, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietam, Md. 
Dudley C. Mumford, Captain, May 31, 1864; killed. Prospect Hill, Va. 
David Lee, First Lieutenant, June 30, 1802; killed. 

Edgar ]\L Newcomb, First Lieutenant, Dec. 19, 1862; died of wounds received at Freder- 
icksburg, Va. 
Herman Donath, First Lieutenant, July 3, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 
John J. Ferris, First Lieutenant, May 12, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 
John B. Thompson, First Lieutenant, June 3, 1864; killed, Co'ld Harbor, Va. 
Charles B. Warner, Second Lieutenant, June 25, 1862 ; killed. Fair Oaks, Va. 
Thomas Clafl'ev, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 
Sherman S. Ro'binson, Second Lieutenant, July 3, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penu. 
William H. Tibbetts, Second Lieutenant, Feb. 5, 1865 ; killed. 



662 APPENDIX. 

Twentieth Regiment. 

Paul J. Revere, Colonel, July 5, 1863; died of wounds received July 3, 1863, at Gettys- 
burg, Penn. 

Ferdinand Dreher, Lieutenant-Colonel, May 1, 1863; died at Boston, of wounds received 
at Fredericksburg, Va. 

Henry L. Abbott, Major, May 6, 1864; killed. Wilderness, Va. 

Henry L. Patten, Major, Sept. 12, 1864; died of wounds, Turner's-lane Hospital, Phila- 
delphia. 

Edward H. R. Revere, Assistant Surgeon, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietam, Md. 

Alois Babo, Captain, Oct. 21, 1861; drowned at battle of Ball's Bluff, Va. 

Charles F. Cabot, Captain, Dec. 11, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Thomas M. M'Kay, Captain, Oct. 6, 1863; murdered at Camp Culpeper, Va. 

James J. Lowell, First Lieutenant, July 6, 1862; killed before Richmond, Va. 

Henry Ropes, First Lieutenant, July 3, 1863 ; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Henry M. Botul, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1864; killed by guerillas, after being wounded 

Edward Sturgis, First Lieutenaqt, May 10, 1804; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

L. E. Hibbard, First Lieutenant, I\Iay 10, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

Reinhold Wesselhoeft, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 21, 1861; drowned at battle of Ball's 
Bluft", Va. 

William L. Putnam, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 22, 1861; died of wounds received at battle 
of Ball's Bluff, Va. 

Robert S. Beckwith, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 31, 1862; died of wounds received at Fred- 
ericksburg, Va. 

Leander F. Alley, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Sumner Paine, Second Lieutenant, July 3, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Twenty-Jirst Regiment. 

Joseph P. Rice, Lieutenant-Colonel, Sept. 1, 1862; killed, Chantilly, Va. 

.John D. Frazer, Captain, Sept. 24, 1862; died of wounds received Sept. 1, 1862, at Chan- 
tilly, Va. 

Ira J. kelton, Captain, Sept. 24, 1862 ; died of wounds received Sept. 1, 1862, at Chan- 
tilly, Va. 

William H. Clark, Captain, Aug 16, 1864; died of wounds received July 30, 1864, at Pe- 
tersburg, Va. 

Orange S. Sampson, Captain, Sept. 30, 1864; killed at Petersburg, Va. 

Charles Goss, Captain, June 17, 1864; killed at Petersburg, Va. 

Charles K. Stoddard, First Lieutenant, Sept. 30, 1861; killed (shot by a sentinel). 

Frazer A. Stearns, First Lieutenant, Alarch 14, 1862; killed at Newbern, N.C. 

Henry A. Beckwith, P'irst Lieutenant, Sept. 6, 1862; died of wounds received Sept. 1,1862, 
at Chantilly, Va. 

Frederick A. Bemis, First Lieutenant, Sept. 1, 1862; killed at Chantilly, Va. 

ChaWes Coolidge, Second Lieutenant, March 30, 1862 ; died of disease. 

William B. Hill, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 1, 1862; killed at Chantilly, Va. 

Henry C. Holbrook, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1862 ; killed at Antietam, Md. 

Twenty -second Regiment. 

Jesse A. Gove, Colonel, June 27, 1862; killed before Richmond (Gaines's Mills, Va.). 

John F. Dunning, Captain, June 27, 1862; killed before Richmond (Gaines's Mills, Va.). 

Samuel L Thompson, Captain, Aug. 4, 1862; died of wounds received at Malvern Hill, Va. 

Benjamin Davis, Captain, Jlay 10,"l864; killed. Wilderness, Va. 

Joseph H. Baxter, Captain; died of wounds received June 3, 1864. 

Robert T. Bourne, Captain, Sept. 23, 1864; died of wounds at Officers' Hospital, Philadel- 
phia, Penn. 

Thomas F. Salter, First Lieutenant, June 27, 1862; killed, Gaines's Mills, Va. 

Horace S. Dunn, Second Lieutenant, May 23, 1862; died at hospital. New York. Typhoid- 
fever. 

George W. Gordon, Second Lieutenant. June 27, 1862 ; killed Gaines's Mills, Va. 

Dauiel J. Haynes, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 29, 1862; died at Fort Monroe, Va. 

Charles K. Knowles, Second Lieutenant, July 11, 1863; died of wounds received at Gettys- 
burg, Perm. 

Twenty-third Regijnent. 
Henry Merritt, Lieutenant-Colonel, Jlarch 14, 1862; killed, Newbern, N.C. 
John'G. Chambers, Lieutenant- Colonel, July 13, 1864; died of wounds received May 16, 

1864, at Fort Johnson, Va. 
Thomas Russell, Captain, Dec. 8, 1862 ; died at Newbern, N.C. Accidental poisoning. 
Richard P. Wheeler, First Lieutenaut, June 2, 1864; died of wounds received May 16, 

1864, at Fort Johnson, Va. 
Jolm Goodwin, juu.. Second Lieutenant, Feb. 8, 1862; killed, Roanoke Island, N.C. 
Westover Greenleaf, Second Lieutenant, Aug. 11, 1862 ; died of apoplexy at Newbern, N.C. 



APPENDIX. 663 

Twenty-fourth Regiment. 
James A. Perkins, First Lieutenant, Aug. 26, 1863; killed before Charleston, S.C. 
Mason A. Rea, First Lieutenant, May 16, 1864; killed near Drury's Blufl', Va. 
Nathaniel S. Barstow, First Lieutenant, Jlav 22, 1864; died at Newbern, N.C. 
Charles G. Ward, First Lieutenant, May 16," 1864; killed near Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Jesse S. Williams, First Lieutenant, Aug. 16, 1864; killed at Deep Run, Va. 
Edgar Clough, Second Lieutenant, May 16, 1864; killed near Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Oliver H. Walker, Second Lieutenant, "Jan 3, 1864; died of wounds. 
William Thorne, Second Lieutenant, Aug. 20, 1864; died of wounds received Aug. 16, 1864. 

Twenty-Jiflh Regiment. 
Thomas O'Neil, Captain, June 3, 1864 ; killed. Cold Harbor, Va. 
William Dalv, First Lieutenant, June 23, 1864; died of wounds received June 3, 1864, at 

Cold HaVljor, Va. 
Henry M'Conville, First Lieutenant, Adjutant, June 12,1864; died of wounds received 

June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. 
Henry Matthews, First Lieutenant, June 3, 1864 ; killed. Cold Harbor, Va. 
Charles E. Upton, First Lieutenant, Mav 9, 1864; killed, Arrowtield Church, Va. 
Charles H. Pelton, Second Lieutenant, June 3, 1864: killed. Cold Harbor, Va. 
James Graham, Second Lieutenant, June 3, 1864; killed. Cold Harbor, Va. 

Twenty-sixth Regiment. 

Eusebius S. Clarke, Major, Oct. 17, 1864; died of wounds received Sept. 19, 1864, at Win- 
cli6st6r Vti. 

Enos W. Thayer, Captain, Oct. 10, 1864; died of wounds received Sept. 19, 1864, at Win- 
chester, Va. 

James Monroe, First Lieutenant, Quartermaster, Nov. 18, 1862; died of disease. 

Albert Tilden, First Lieutenant, Oct. 21, 1864; died of wounds received Oct. 19, 1864, at 
Cedar Creek, Va. 

John H. P. White, First Lieutenant, Julv 10, 1863; died at New Orleans, La. 

Winfield H. Benham, First Lieutenant, May 18, 1863 ; died of typhoid-fever, at New Or- 
leans, La. 

Twenty-seventh Regiment. 

William A. Walker, Major, June 3, 1864; killed, Cold Harbor, Va. 

Franklin L. Hunt, Assistant Surgeon, Nov. 18, 1864; killed. 

Henry A. Hubbard. Captain, Feb. 12, 1862 ; died of disease, Roanoke Island, N.C. 

Charles D. Sanford, Captain, May 16, 1864; killed. Fort Darling, Va. 

Edward D. Wilcox, Captain, June 3, 1864; killed, Cold Harbor, Va. 

Frederick C. Wright, First Lieutenant, June 27, 1864; died of wounds received June 6, 
1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. 

Edward D. Lee, First Lieutenant, April 17, 1864; died. 

Cvrus W. Goodale, First Lieutenant, Oct. 30, 1862 ; died. 

Piiny Wood, First Lieutenant, May 31, 1864; died of wounds received at An'owfield 
"Church, Va. 

Joseph W. Lawton, Second Lieutenant, March 14, 1862; killed, Newberu,. N.C. 

Samuel Morse, Second Lieutenant, June 3, 1864; killed, Cold Harbor,. Va. 

Edgar H. Coombs, Second Lieutenant, June 4, 1864; killed, Cold Harbor, Va. 

. Twenty-eighth Regiment. 

Richard Bvrnes, Colonel, June 12, 1864; died of wounds received June 3, 1864. 

Andrew J." Lawler, Major, May 18, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

James Mas;ner, Captain, May 'l8, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

Charles P.'Smith, Captain, Mav 21, 1864 ; died of wounds received May 6 at Wilderness, Va. 

James A. MTntvre, Captain, May 6, 1864; killed. Wilderness, Va. 

William F. Cochrane, Captain, May 30, 1864; died of wounds received May 18 at Spott- 
svlvania, Va. 

Patrick Nolan, Captain, Aug. 14, 1864; killed. Deep Bottom, Va. 

James B. West, First Lieutenant, June 4, 1864; died of wounds received at Cold Har- 
bor, Va. 

Hugh P. Boj'le, First Lieutenant, May 31, 1862; died of disease at Hilton HeadrS.C- 

Thomas J. Parker, First Lieutenant, April 21, 1865; died of wounds. 

William H. Flvnn, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 1, 1862; killed, Chantilly, Va. 

Nicholas J. Barrett, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1862; killed,. Sharpsburg, Md- 

Alexander Barrett, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 1, 1862; killed, Chantilly, Va. 

Edwin J. Weller, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

William Holland, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

John Sullivan, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg,. Va.. 

Twenty-ninth Regiment. 
Charles Chipman, Major, Aug. 8, 1864; died of wounds received Aug. 7, 186*. 
Henry E. Hempstead, Chaplain, Dec. 21, 1862; died of disease at Falmouth, Va. 



664 APPENDIX. 

John B. Collingwood, First Lieutenant, Aug. 22, 1863 ; died of disease at Cincinnati, 0. 
Ezi-a Ripley, First Lieutenant, July 28, 1863; died of disease at Helena, Ark. 
George W. Pope, First Lieutenant, Aug. 5, 1864; died of wounds at Georgetown, D.C. 
Nathaniel Burgess, First Lieutenant, Rlarch 25, 1865; died of wounds. 
Thomas A. Mavo, Second Lieutenant, June 27, 1862; killed, Gaines's Mills, Va. 
Horace A. Jenks, Second Lieutenant, July 26, 1863; died of disease, at Milldale, Miss. 
Elisha S. Holbrook, Second Lieutenant, Aug. 20, 1861 ; died at Fortress Monroe, Va. 

Thirtieth Regiment. 
Daniel L. Yeaton, Captain, Nov. 28, 1862; died of disease. 
Eugene Kelty, Captain, Aug. 5, 1862; killed, Baton Rouge, La. 
Timothy A.'Crowlev, Captain, Oct. 5, 1862; died of disease. 

William F. Clark, First Lieutenant, Adjutant, Oct. 21, 1864; killed, Cedar Creek, Va. 
George F. Whitcomb, First Lieutenant, Oct. 19, 1864; killed, Cedar Creek, Va. 
John P. Haley, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 19, 1864; killed, Winchester, Va. 

Thirtif-Jirst Regiment. 
Eben K. Sanborn, Surgeon, April 3, 1862; died of disease at Ship Island, La. 
William W. Rockwell, Captain, Dec. 3, 1863; died of typhoid-fever at Baton Rouge, La. 
F. A. Cook, First Lieutenant, Aug. 6, 1863; died of disease. 

Thirty-second Regiment. 

George L. Prescott, Colonel, June 19, 1864: died of wounds, Petersburg, Va. 

Charles A. Dearborn, jun., Captain, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Robert Hamilton, Captain, July 19, 1864; died of wounds received May 12, 1864, at Spott- 
sylvania. 

Nathaniel French, jun.. First Lieutenant, Aug. 9, 1862; died of disease, Harrison's Land- 
ing, Va. 

George W. Bibby, First Lieutenant, May 30, 1864; killed in action. 

Joseph W. Wheelwright, Second Lieutenant, Jan. 18, 1863; died. 

William H. Barrows, Second Lieutenant, July 2, 1863 ; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 

Thirty-third Regiment. 
William P. Mudge, First Lieutenant, Adjutant, Oct. 29, 1863 ; killed, Lookout Mountain. 
Henry J. Parker, First Lieutenant, May 15, 1864; killed, Resaca, Ga. 
Edgar L. Bumpus, First Lieutenant, May 15, 1864; killed, Resaca, Ga. 
Arthur C. Parker, First Lieutenant, Aug. 15, 1863; killed by guerillas. 
Joseph P. Burrage, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 29, 1863; killed. Lookout Mountain. 
James Hill, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 29, 1863; killed. Lookout Mountain. 
Oswego Jones, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 29, 1863; killed, Lookout Mountain. 

Thirty-fourth Regiment. 

George D. Wells, Colonel, Oct. 13, 1864; killed, Stickney's Farm, Va. 

Harrison W. Pratt, Major, Sept. 25, 1864; died of wounds received at Cedar Creek, Va. 

George W. Thompson, Captain, Sept. 19, 1864; killed, Winchester, Va. 

William B. Bacon, Captain, May 15, 1864; killed in action. 

Samuel F. Woods, First Lieutenant, June 26, 1864; died of wounds. 

Albert C. Walker, First Lieutenant, Aug. 23, 1864 ; died of wounds. 

James Dempsey, First Lieutenant, Dec. 3, 1864; died of wounds received Oct. 17, 1864, in 
action. 

Malcolm Ammidown, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 1, 1864 ; died in rebel prison at Charles- 
ton, S.C. 

Charles L Woods, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 13, 1864; killed in action. 

Thirty-JijVi Regiment. 
Sidney Willard, Major, Dec. 13, 1862 ; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 
Edward G. Park, Major, Aug. 14, 1864; died of wounds. 
Albert W. Bartlett, Captain, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietam, Md. 

Horace Niles, Captain, Sept. 27, 1862; died of wounds received Sept. 17, 1862, at Antie- 
tam, JId. 
J. Wilson Ingell, Captain, Aug. 21, 1864; killed, Petersburg, Va. 
Austin J. White, Captain, Sept. 15, 1864; died of wounds received Aug. 19, 1864. 
William Palmer, First Lieutenant, Oct. 13, 1862; died of wounds. 
William Hill, First Lieutenant, Dec. 13, 1862; killed, Fredericksburg, Va. 
Samuel G. Berrv, First Lieutenant, Julv 30, 1864; killed, Petersburg, Va. 
Charles F. Williams, I'un., Second Lieutenant, Sept. 22, 1862; died of wounds. 
Massena B. Hawes, Second Lieutenant, July 7, 1863; killed by the falling of a tree. 

Thirty-sixth Regiment. 
Christopher S. Hastings, Captain, Sept. 8, 1863; died, Mound-city Hospital, 111. 
Amos Bufi'um, Captain, June 18, 1864; killed. 



APPENDIX. 665 

S*Henry Bailey, Captain, May, 12, 1864 ; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

Otis W. Holmes, Captain, June 23, 1864; died, Hare wood Hospital, Washington, D.C. 

P. Marion Holmes, First Lieutenant, Nov. 10, 1SG3; killed, CampbeU's Station, Ky. 

Henry W. Daniels, First Lieutenant, May 12, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

FrecVsrick H. Sibley, First Lieutenant, Aug. 17, 186-3; died in hospital. 

William L. Howe, Second Lieutenant, July 7, 1863; died of disease at Milldale, Miss. 

Thirty-seventh Regiment. 
Joshua J. Ellis, Assistant Surgeon, March 27, 1863; died of disease at Newport, R.L 
Franklin W. Pease, Captain, May 14, 1864; died of wounds received May 12, 1864, at 

Spottsvlvania, Va. 
Charles S.'Bardwell, First Lieutenant, Oct. 6, 1864; died at Winchester, Va. 
George E. Cooke, Second Lieutenant, May 12, 1864; died from wounds received in action. 
Joseph FoUansbee, Second Lieutenant, May 23, 1864; died in hospital. 

Thirty-eighth Regiment. 
William L. Rodman, Lieutenant-Colonel, May 27, 1863 ; killed. Port Hudson, La. 
Samuel Gault, Captain, April 13, 1863; killed, Bisland, Bayou Teche, La. 
Julius M. Lothrop, Captain, April 26, 1864; died of wounds received at Cane River, La. 
Joseph E. Simmons, First Lieutenant, Aug. 30, 1862; killed while in Eighteenth Regiment; 

never joined Thirty-eighth. 
Frederick Holmes, Second Lieutenant, June 14, 1863; killed. Port Hudson, La. 

Thirty-ninth Regiment. 
P. Stearns Davis, Colonel, July 11, 1864; killed, Petersburg, Va. 
Henrv M. Tremlett, Colonel, June 6, 1S65; died of wounds. 
Willard C. Kinsley, Captain, April 2, 1865; died of wounds. 
William T. Spear, First Lieutenant, Aug. 18, 1864; killed. Ream's Station, Va. 
Isaac D. Paul, First Lieutenant, May 8, 1864; killed in action. 

Bartlett Shaw, Second Lieutenant, Aug. 30, 1862; killed while in Eighteenth Regiment; 
never joined Thirty-ninth. 

Fortieth Regiment. 
George E. Marshall, Lieutenant-Colonel, June 1, 1864; killed. Old Church, Va. 
George C. Bancroft, First Lieutenant, June 1, 1864; killed. Old Church, Va. 
Edward Carleton, First Lieutenant, June 3, 1864; killed. Cold Harbor, Va. 
J. Arthur Fitch, First Lieutenant. Sept. 30, 1864; killed, Chapin's Farm, Va. 
A. F. Webb, Second Lieutenant, Aug. 20, 1863; killed al siege of Fort Wagner, S.C. 

Fifty-fourth Regiment. 
Robert G. Shaw, Colonel, July 18, 1863; killed. Fort Wagner, S.C. 
William H. Simpkins, Captain, July 18, 1863; killed. Fort Wagner, S.C. 
Cabot J. Russell, Captain, July 18, 1863; killed. Fort Wagner, S.C. 
David Reid, First Lieutenant, Nov. 30, 1864; killed in action of Charleston and Savannah 

Railroad, S.C. 
Edward G. Stevens, First Lieutenant, April 18, 1865; killed, Boykm's Mills, S.C. 
Frederick H. Webster, Second Lieutenant, Jan. 25, 1865 ; died of disease. 

Fifty-fifth Regiment. 
William D. Crane, Captain, Nov. 30, 1864; killed, action of Charleston and Savannah 

Railroad, S.C. , „ ,^ „ „, „ _,, 

Dennis H. Jones, First Lieutenant, March 23,1864; killed accidentally. Yellow BlijfiF, tla. 
Winthrop P. Boynton, First Lieutenant, Nov. 30, 1864; killed, action of Charleston and 

Savannah Railroad, S.C. • t , c r, 

Edwin R. Hill. First Lieutenant, Dec. 9, 1864; killed, Devereaux's Neck, S. 0. 
William B. Pliinney, Second Lieutenant, Aug. 16, 1864; killed In action. 
Leonard C. Alden, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 5, 1863; died of yellow-fever at Hilton 

Head, S.C. 

Fifty-sixth Regiment. 
Charles E. Griswold, Colonel, May 6, 1864; killed, Wilderness, Va. 
Wallace A. Putnam. Major, June 20, 1864; died of wounds at Stoughton, Mass. 
Robert J. Cowdin, Captain, June 3, 1864; killed, Cold Harbor, Va. 
Ansel B. Randall, Captain, April 2, 1865; killed, Petersburg, Va. 
John D. Priest, First Lieutenant, June 22, 1864; killed, Petersburg, Va. 
John H. Crowley, Second Lieutenant, June 17, 1864; killed, Petersburg, Va. 

Fifty-seventh Regiment. 
Charles L. Chandler, Lieutenant-Colonel, May 24, 1864; killed in action. 
Albert Prescott, Major, July 30, 1864; killed in action. 
James Doherty, Major, March 20, 1865; died of wounds. 
Joseph W. Gird, Captain, May 6, 1864; killed in action. 
84 



666 APPENDIX. 

George H. Howe, Captain, July 30, 1864; killed in action. 
Edson T. Dresser, Captain, July 30, 1864; killed in action. 
Samuel M. Bowman, First Lieutenant, July 25, 1864; killed in action. 

E. Dexter Cheney, First Lieutenant, July io, 1864; killed in action. 

Albert liL Murdock, First Lieutenant. March 25, 1865; killed in actiou. » 

Edward L Coe, Second Lieutenant, June 17, 1864; killed in action. 
James M. Childs, Second Lieutenant; died of wounds. 

Fifty-eighth Regiment. 
Barnabas Ewer, jun.. Major, June 3, 1864; killed in action. 
Charles M. Upham, Captain, June 3, 1864; killed in action. 
Thomas M'Farland, Captain, June 3, 1864; killed in action. 

Charles H. Johnson. Captain, Oct. 27, 1864; died of wounds in rebel hospital, Petersburg, Va. 
William H. Harley, Captain, Mav 12, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 
Clement Granet, First Lieutenant, July 30, 1864; killed, Petersburg Mine, Va. 

F. Gilbert Garden, First Lieutenant, May 12, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

William H. Burbank, First Lieutenant, June 11, 1864; died of wounds at White-house 
Landing, Va. 

Franklin D. Hammond, Second Lieutenant, June 23, 1864; killed on picket near Peters- 
burg, Va. 

Samuel J. Watson, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 11, 1864; died at New Bedford, 

John W. Fiske, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 30, 1864; killed, Poplar-spring Church, Va. 

Fifty-ninth Regiment. 
Jacob P. Gould, Colonel, Aug. 22, 1804; died of wounds received before Petersburg, Va. 
John Hodges, jun., Lieutenant-Colonel, Aug. 3, 1864; killed, Petersburg, Va. 
Lewis E. Mun'roe, Captain; killed in action. 
Samuel A. Bean, Captuin, June 22, 1864; died of wounds. 
Horace M. Warren. First Lieutenant, Aug. 19, 1864; died of wounds. 
George J. Morse, First Lieutenant, May 12, 1864; killed in action. 
George C. Burrill, First Lieutenant ; killed. 

Sixty-first Regiment. 
Thomas B. Hart, Second Lieutenant, April 2, 1865; killed in action before Petersburg, Va. 

First Henry Artillery. 

Seth S. Buxton, Major, Jan. 15, 1863; died of disease. 

Frank A. Rolfe, jMajor, Mav 19, 1864; killed, Spottsylvania, Va. 

.Joseph W. Kimball, Captain, June 22, 1864; killed, Petersburg, Va. 

Albert A. Davis, Captain, June 21, 1864; died of wounds received May 19, 1864, at Nye 
River, Va. 

William G. Thompson, Captain, May 20, 1864; died of wounds received May 19, 1864, at 
Nye River, Va. 

Lewis P. Caldwell, First Lieutenant, June 17, 1864; died of wounds received at Peters- 
burg, Va. 

Edward Graham, First Lieutenant, May 19, 1864; killed, Nye River, Va. 

Charles Carroll, First Lieutenant, May 30, 1864; died of wounds received May 19, 1864, at 
Nve River, Va. 

Howard Carroll, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 23, 1862; died at Fort Craig, Va. 

Orrin L. Farnhara, Second Lieutenant, June 17, 1864; died of wounds received at Peters- 
burg, Va. 

Second Heavy Artillery. 

Henry T. Lawson, JIajor, Oct. 1, 1864; died of disease at Newbern, N.C. 

Dixi C. Hoyt, Assistant Surgeon, Nov. 1, 1S64; died of disease at Newbern, N.C. 

Fordyce A. Dver, First Lieutenant, Oct. 26, 1864; died of disease. 

Benjamin A. Shaw, First Lieutenant, July 26, 1864; died of disease at Portsmouth, Va. 

Fourth Heavy Artillery. 
George T. Martin, First Lieutenant, March 13, 1865; died of disease. 

Ninth Unattached Company Heavy Artillery. 
Maurice Roche, First Lieutenant, April 2, 1864; died of disease at Charlestown, Mass. 

First Cavalry. 
Lucius M. Sargent, jun., Lieutenant-Colonel, Dec. 9, 1864; killed, Weldon Railroad, Bell- 
field, Va. 
Nathaniel Bowditch, First Lieutenant, March 20, 1863: died of wounds. 
Alton E. Phillips, First Lieutenant, Mav 4, 1863; died of wounds. 

William W. Wardell, First Lieutenant, "May 28, 1864; killed in action at Enan Church, Va. 
Edward P. Hopkins, First Lieutenant, ilay 11, 1864; killed in action at Ashland, Va. 



APPENDIX. G67 

Second Cavalry. 
Charles R. Lowell, jun., Colonel, Oct. 21, 1864 ; died of wounds received at Cedar Creek, Va. 
J. Sewall Read, Captain, Feb. 22, 1804; killed in action. 

Charles S. Eigenbrodt, Captain, Aug. 25, 1864; killed in action at Halltown, Va. 
Rufus W. Smith, Captain, Oct. 19, 1864; killed in action. 
Goodwin A. Stone, Captain, July 18, 1864; died of wounds received in action. 
Charles E. Header, First Lieutenant, Aug. 26, 1864; killed in action, Halltown, Va. 
Henry F. Woodman, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 9, 1864; died of wounds. 
William S. Wells, Second Lieutenant, July 26, 1863 ; died of disease in hospital at Wash- 
ington. 
Edward B. Mason, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 14, 1863; died at Readville, Mass. 
Huntington F. Walcott, Second Lieutenant, June 9, 1865; died of disease. 
Lewis Munger, Second Lieutenant, March 31, 1865 ; killed in action. 

Third Cavalry. 
H. A. Durivage, Captain, April 23, 1862 ; drowned in Mississippi River. 
Pickering- D. Allen, First Lieutenant, June 2, 1863; killed in action. 
Solon A. Perkins, First Lieutenant, June 2, 1803; killed in action. 
Charles J. Baichelder, First Lieutenant, Sept. 9, 1862 ; died at St. James's Hospital, New 

Orleans. 
Jasper A. Glidden, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 19, 1864; killed at Winchester, Va. 
John F. Poole, Second Lieutenant, Sept. 19, 1864; killed at Winchester, Va. 
Lyman James, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 6, 1864; died of wounds. 

Fourth Cavalry. 
Francis Washburn, Colonel, April 22, 1865; died of wounds received April 6, 1865. 
William T. Hodges, Captain, April 6, 1865; killed in action. 
•John D. B. Goddard, Captain, April 6, 1865; killed in action. 
Orson A. Baxter, First Lieutenant, Oct. 24, 1864; died at Williamsburg, Va. 
John L. Perley, First Lieutenant, Nov. 15, 1864; died of disease. 
George F. Davis, Fii'st Lieutenant, April 6, 1865 ; killed in action. 

Jltird Battery, L. A. 
Caleb C. E. Jlortimer, First Lieutenant, July 25, 1862; died of wounds received June 27, 
1862, at Gaines's Mills, Va. 

Fifth Battery, L. A. 
Peleg W. Blake, First Lieutenant, June 18, 1864; killed in action. 

Sixth Battery, L. A. 
Charles C. Cram, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 11, 1803; died of disease. 

Seventh Battery, L. A. 
George F. Critchett, Second Lieutenant, Oct. 30, 1863; died of disease. 

Ninth Battery, L. A. 
Christopher Erickson, First Lieutenant, July 2, 1863; killed, Gettysburg, Penn. 
Alexander H. Whitaker, First Lieutenant, July 20, 1863; died of wounds received at Get- 
tysburg, Penn. 

Tenth Battery, L. A. 
Henry H. Granger, First Lieutenant, Oct. 30, 1864; died of wounds received at Peters- 
burg, Va. 

Fourteenth Battery, L. A. 
Ephraini B. Nye, Second Lieutenant, March 25, 1865 ; killed in action. 

First Sharpshooters. 
■fohn Saunders, Captain, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietam, JId. 
William Berry, First Lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1862; killed, Antietam, Md. 
Samuel G. Gilbreth, First Lieutenant; killed, Petersburg, Va. 

Sixth Rpf/imenf. 

Edward D. Sawtelle, Second Lieutenant, Jan. 30, 1863 ; killed, Blackwater, Va 

Robert G. Barr, Second Lieutenant, Dec. 12, 1862; killed, Tanner's Ford, Va. 

^^ 
Forty-second Regiment. H^ 

Ariel J. Cummiugs, Surgeon; died in prison, Houston, Tex. |<^ 

Benjamin F. Bartlett, Second Lieutenant ; died in prison, Houston, Tex. 

Forty-fourth Regiment. 
Robert Ware, Surgeon, April 10, 1863; died of disease, Newbern, N.C. 



668 



APPENDIX. 



Forty-eiyhth Regiment. 
James O'Brien, Lieutenaut-Colonel, May 27, 1863; killed. Port Hudson, La. 

Forty-ninth Regiment. 
Burton D. Demming, First Lieutenant, May 27, 1863, killed. Port Hudson, La. 

Fiftieth Regiment. 
Nathaniel VV. French, Assistant Surgeon, April 21, 1863; died of tjT)hoid-fever. 

Fifty -third Regiment. 
George H. Bailey, Captain, May 27, 1863; died of wounds received at Port Hudson, La. 
George P. Nutting, First Lieutenant, April 13, 1863; killed, Teche, La. 
Alfred A. Glover, First Lieutenant, June 14, 1863; killed, Port Hudson, La. 
Josiah H. Vose, First Lieutenant, June 16, 1863; died of wounds received June 14 at Port 
Hudson. 

The following table of one hundred and six thousand three hundred and thirty 
(106,330) enlisted men, in Massachusetts regiments and batteries, shows what 
has been the fate of those men : — 

ENLISTED MEN. 



Organizations. 



^S 






M Q^ 



oa 



■eg 



5(5 



OS B 



fig 



Three Years . . . 
One Year .... 
Nine Months . . . 
Six Months . . . 
Three Months . . 
One Hundred Days 
Ninety Days ... 



74,700 
4,792 

16,648 
152 
3,454 
5,375 
1,209 



30,843 
4,539 

14,048 
130 
3,349 
5,346 
1,209 



3,155 1,770 



4,775 
50 
745 

4 
4 

18 



1,832 
1 



7,389 
42 

784 
5 
1 



11,126 

58 

474 

4 

69 



7,818 

84 

428 

6 

26 

10 



72, 3,6 



1,020 



Grand Total .... 106,330 59,46413,278 1,822 5,596 1,840 8,221 11,731 8,372 72 3,703| 1,026 



TOTAL OF OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN. 





S 


3 

s Z 

as 


■6 


5^ 


55 


1 

•- a 
5£ 


■6 

f 



<2 

gi.2 

ll 

5(i< 


|& 
11 

55 


It 

S3 


o w 

5 s 


b 

a 


■a 
§ 

11 

(5g 


1 
1 

5 

101 


1 

& 
8 

8 


1 


Officers . . 
Enlist'd men 


5,351 
106,330 


2,582 
39,464 


260 

3,278 


104 
1,822 


75 3 
5,596 1,840 


3 

8,22] 


304 


313 

11,731 


824 
8,372 


72 


3,703 


1,026 


774 


Total . . 


111,681 


62,046 


3,538 


1,926 


5,671 


1,843 


8,224 


304 




12,044 


9,196 


72 


3,703 1,026 


101 


774 



INDEX. 



Abert, Col. W. S., 483. 
Abington, aid from, 569. 
Abbott, Major, killed, 273. 
Account of the early history of Massachu- 
setts, 1-16. 
Adams, John, 12; his declaration, Feb- 
ruary, 1761, 9. 
Adams, J. Q., 13. 
Adams, Samuel, 9, 11. 
Andros, Sir Edmund, overthrow of, 8; 

resistance to his tyi-anny, 7, 8. 
Ban-y, the historian, on the Pilgrims, 4. 
Boston in 1772,10; founders of, 5 ; the 

massacre, 9, 11 ; tea-party, 11. 
Bradford, the Holland Pilgrim, 4. 
Charter of Massachusetts annulled, 7. 
Church, Benjamin, 10, 11. 
Clark's Island, first Christian sabbath in, 

5. 
Clergy and churches, 15. 
Commissioners, king's, proceedings of, 

6,7. 
Confederation of 1787, 12. 
Dutch settlers, jealousy of, 6. 
Forefathers' Rock, 5. 
Freedom, this country designed for, 1,2. 
French settlers, 3; jealousy of, 6. 
George, Capt., of the English frigate 

"Eose," 7. 
German settlers, 3. 
Gosnold, Bartholomew, voyage of, along 

the coast of Massachusetts, 3, 4. 
Hutchinson on the Massachusetts Colo- 
ny, 1, 2. 
Independents at Plymouth, 5. 
Indian conspiracies, 6. 
Irish settlers, 3. 
James I., his declaration, 4. 
Johnson's settlement at Shawmut, 5. 
Massachusetts Colony, 2; Constitution 
of, in 1780, 13; erected a province by 
King William, 8 ; first sacrifice of 
blood given by, 11 ; number of troops 
in 1776, II; population of, 3; on sla- 
very, 12-16. 
Mather, Increase, Randolph's opinion of, 

7. 
New England, attacks upon, 1, 3 ; colo- 
nized by Englishmen, 3; United Colo- 
nies of, 6. 
Otis, James, speech of, February, 1761, 9. 
Puritans, 4-8. 
Scotch settlers, 3. 

Seamen, colored, imprisonment of, 13, 14. 
Slavery, participation of Massachusetts 

Colonv in, 8. 
Slaves, 2, 3. 

Snider, the lad, first victim of the Revo- 
lution, 9. 



Account of the Union, American, foundation 
of the, 10. 
Warron, Joseph, 9. 
Whittemore, facts deduced from his 

" Cavalier Dismounted," 2, 3. 
Winthrop, Gov., 5. 
Witchcraft, 8, 9. 
" Act, An, in aid of the families of volun- 
teers," 571. 
Adams, Charles Francis, sketch of, 80-83 ; 

extract from speech of, 82, 83. 
Adams, Lieut.-Col. J. Q., 97. 
Adams, Major, severely wounded, 497. 
" Advertiser," The Boston, 621. 
Agassiz, Professor, 580. 
Agencies for relief of soldiers. See names 

of places. 
Aid societies. See Sanitarv Associations. 
Allen's (T. P.) school. -See New Bedford. 
Allev, John B., sketch of, 78. 
Alvord, Capt. ; remarks of Col. Lowell, 490. 
Alvord, Rev. J. W., 571. 

on furnishing reading, 573. 
labors of, 574. 

Freedmen's Savings Bank, 574. 
Ambassadors, Massachusetts, 80-86. 
American Tract Society, standard jmd reli- 
gious reading to the array, 573. 
American Unitarian Association, remarks, 

599,600. 
Ames, Oakes, notice of, 79. 
Amherst College, 606. 
Amory, Brig.-&en. Thomas J. C, sketch of, 

"627,628. 
Anderson, Gen. Robert, 87-89, 92, 95. 

guns fired in honor of, 95. 
Andersonville imprisonment and its effects, 

482. 
Andrew, Gov. John A., 18-28, 582. 
President Hill's opinion of, 22. 
remark upon Major Anderson, 92. 
reply to expressions of dissatisfaction, 

104. 
address at the reception of the First 
Massachusetts Regiment on its return 
home, 157. 
address at the presentation of the battle- 
flags, 656, 657. 
commends the Fifth Regiment, 178. 
eloquent tribute to Massachusetts sol- 
diers killed on the field, 645. 
General Orders, No. 4, 95, 96. 
on the too great number of troops, 539. 
last General Order of, 545, 546. 
letter to Col. W. S. Clark, Twenty-first 

Regiment, 276. 
historical sketch of, 18. 
extracts from messages and addresses of, 
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 93, 94, 592-595. 
669 



670 



INDEX. 



Andi-ew, Gov. John A., fiirewell address to 
Fourth Regiment, 118. 
farewell address to Eighth Regiment, 

119, 120. 
objects to tendering troops to Gov. 
Hicks to prevent negro insurrection, 
131. 
reply to the complaints of the Mayor of 

Baltimore, 137. 
speech upon the readiness of the State 

to obey, 138-140. 
sketch of, by a personal friend, 27, 28. 
election sermon by Rev. A. H. Quint, 
25, 26. 
Andrew, Camp, 159. 
Andrews, Brevet Major-Gen. C. C, 534. 
Andrews, Lieut.-Col. George L., 162. 
Annapolis, Eighth Regiment takes possession 
of, 129-131. 
Gen. Butler given command of, 131. 
Annual Register, the increase in the size of, 

550. 
Antietam, battle of, 163, 199, 221, 231, 261, 
262, 271, 278, 286, 321, 326, 350, 371, 
372, 521. 
Appendix, 651-668. 

battles of the Massachusetts regiments, 

651-654. 
battle-flags in the State House, 654, 658. 
roll of honor, 658-668. 
tabular view of killed officers and men, 
668. 
Appleton, E., 648. 

Artillery. See Light Batteries, Heavy Artil- 
lery. 
Ashfield, monument in, 649. 
Association for aiding disabled soldiers hon- 
orably discharged, 591, 592. 
Atchafalaya River, skirmishing at, 508. 
Atlanta, battle of, 16 S. 
" Atlantic Monthly," the, 622. 
Atwood, J. E., 645. 
Auburn, engagement near, 524. 
Austria, J. L. Motley ambassador to the 

court of, 84. 
Averysborough, battle of, 169. 
Babbidge, Rev. Charles, 599, 603. 
Bailor's Farm, engagement at, 497. 
Baker, J. E., 045. 

Baldwin, Lieut.-Col., appointed to the com- 
mand of the First Massachusetts Regi- 
ment, 152. 
disabled in the battle of Gettysburg, 155. 
captured by the rebels, 156. 
Ball, P., Mayor of Worcester, remarks upon 

a letter of, 537. 
Ball's Bluff, battle of, 228, 229, 256, 269. 
Baltimore, attack upon the Sixth Regiment, 
113-115. 
the heroic dead, 133-137. 
complaint against Massachusetts troops 
passing through, by the mayor of, 137. 
agency for relief, 589, 590. 
Cross-roads, battle of, 403. 
See also Sixth Regiment. 
Banks, Major-Gen. N. P., 406. 

toast in honor of Major Anderson, 92. 
Western Louisiana campaign, 390. 
Expedition, 408. 
at Port Hudson, 429, 430. 
sketch of, 563, 564. 
Banks, Camp, 147. 



Baptist Convention, resolves of, 602, 603. 

Barnard, James M., 580. 

Barnstable Bank votes to loan the State 

money, 569. 
Barrows, Rev. William, 648. 
Bartlett, Capt., the sailor's missionary, 572. 
Bartlett, Capt. A. W., remarks about, 101- 

103. 
Bartlett, Col. William F., 432. 

wounded in the assault on Port Hudson, 
433. 
Bartlett, George F., 583. 
Bartlett, Mrs. Abner, 581. 
Batchelder, Lieut.-Col., honorable discharge 

of, 224. 
Batchelder's Creek, attack at, 317. 
Bates, Almeua B., 568. 
Bates, J. A., 584. 

Bates, Capt. James L., commissioned colo- 
nel, 213. 

takes command of a brigade, 217. 
Bates, Mrs. John F., 584. 
Baton Rouge, battle at, 336, 337, 506, 513. 

expedition to, 406. 
Battalion. See Cavalry Regiments. 
Batteries. See Light Batteries. 
Battle-flags. See Flags. 
Battle-hymn of the Republic, 618, 619. 
Battles. For the various battles in which 
the different regiments were engaged, 
see Appendix, 651-654, names of bat- 
tles and regiments. 
Baury, Lieut. F. F., wounded at Fort Fisher, 

556. 
Bayou Lafourche, engagement at, 430. 
Bell, Dr. Luther V, allusion to, 592, 593. 
Bellows, Dr., 580. 

Benham's (Gen.) engineer brigade, 472. 
Bethesda Church, battle at, 374. 
Beverly Ford, engagement at, 164, 358, 359. 
Bible Sociery, Massachusetts, 570. 
Birnev, Major- Gen., his praise of the Tenth 

' Light Battery, 524. 
Bisland, battle at, 390, 446, 514. 
Blackburn's Ford, skirmish at. See Bull Run. 
Blackmer, Dr., services of, 427. 
Blackwater, expeditions against, 186, 187. 
Blaisdell, Col. William, his death, 212. 
Blake, Acting Midshipman H. L., commen- 
dation of Admiral Farragut in regard 
to, 556. 
Blake, Capt., of" The Constitution," 127. 
Blakelv, Fort, fall of, 348, 349, 502, 534. 
Blick's Station, battle of, 331, 332. 
Blount's Creek, engagement at, 190, 414. 
Blue-ridge Mountains, skirmish at, 489. 
Blue Springs, battle of, 329, 379. 
Bond, G. W., 645. 

Boomer, Gen. George B., sketch of, 643, 644. 
Boston, city of, aid from, 570. 

aid to Savannah, 584. 

banks of, offer of, 568. 

Board of Trade, patriotic resolutions of, 
568. 

Common Council, appropriation of, 568. 

contributions, &c., 582, 587. 

Harbor, forts in, 582. 

Latin School, 606. 

merchants, meeting of, Jan. 17, 1861, 98. 

National Sailors' Fair, 584. 

Public Librarj', 58, 75. 

Relief Agency, officers of, 592. 



INDEX. 



671 



Boston, citv of, riot in Cooper Street, 543, 544. 
Sanitary Fair, 580, 581. 
sympathy for the killed and wounded 

of tlie Sixth Regiment, 133. 
Union City Connnittee, Thanksgiving 
dinner given to troops by, 591. 
" Boston Review," tlie, 622. 
Botler's Mill, battle of, 199. 
Bottom's Bridge, skirmish at, 194. 
Boutwell, George S., sketch of, G4-C0. 
extracts from speeches, 65, 66. 
slavery, 65-67. 
Bowman, Col. Henry, 377, 378. 
Boykin's Mills, engagement at, 454. 
Bradlee, Adjntant, letter regarding the Thir- 
teenth, 221, 222. 
Brandy Station, battle at, 476. 
Brashear Citv, capture of garrison at, 412, 

514. 
Breck, Col. Samuel, 560. 
Briggs, Capt., ordered to join the Eighth 

Regiment, 116. 
Briggs, Camp, named -in honor of Brig.-Gen. 

BrigRS, 432. 
Brigham, Col. E. D., 592. 
Brighton, 649. 

Bristow Station, battle of, 265, 272, 352, 476. 
Brookline, aid from, 569. 
Brooks, P. C, 587. 

Brooks, Preston S., attack on Charles Sum- 
ner, 32, 48. 
" Brother Jonathan's Lament for Sister 

Caroline," a poem, 613, 614. 
Brougliton, N., visits Washington, 573. 
Brown, Col. William, sketch of, 624. 
Brown, Governor of Georgia, 89. 
Bryant, W. C, remarks upon Edward Ever- 
ett, 62. 
Buchanan's (President) National Fast, 92. 
Bullard, Mr., Secretary of Massachusetts 

Sabbath-school Society, 574. 
Bullock, Gov. A. H., extract from his eulogy 
upon Edward Everett, 63. 
address to the Twenty-first Massaclm- 

setts Regiment, 281. 
extract from inaugural address, 547, 548-. 
extract from address to the Twenty- 
fourth ^Massachusetts, 302, 303. 
succeeds Gov. Andrew, 546. 
sketch of, 547. 
Bull Run, battle of, 148, 149, 178, 208, 220, 
221. 
second battle of, 151, 249, 277, 321, 521. 
Bunker-hill Relief Society, 568. 
Bureau of Freedmen, 15. 
Burkesville, enemy routed near, 491. 
Burlingame, Anson, sketch of, 85, 86. 
Burnham, lieut. H. :\I.. sketch of, 641. 
Burnham, Samuel, poem by, 620, 621. 
Burns, Anthony, 14. 

Burnside, Gen), compliments the Twenty- 
third Massachusetts Regiment, 291. 
Butler, INIajor-Gen. B. F., 90-92. 

remarks to Mr. Carnev, President of the 
Bank of Mutual Redemption, 103, 104- 
offers his services, 104. 
commissioned briG;axlier-gener.al, 108. 
address to the Eighth Regiment, 120. 
his proceedings as commander during 

the three-months' service, 122-132. 
plan for the march of the Eighth Regi- 
ment, 125, 126. 



Butler, Ma-jor-Gen. B. F., order in regard to 
the frigate "Constitution," 127. 
Col. S. C. Lawrence's compliment to, 129. 
extract from despatcii of, 130, 131. 
Gen. Scott gives him command at An- 
napolis, 131. 
note to Gov. Andrew upon taking the 

rankof maior-general, 142. 
sketch of, 560,561. 
Byrnes, Col. R., killed, 323. 
Cadet regiments, 418. 
Caliir, Lieut., 587. 

Cambridge Sanitary Society, operations of, 
576. 
aid from, 569. 
Cambridge, East, women furnish Company 
A of Sixteenth Regiment with neces- 
sities, 575, 576. 
Cambridgeport Soldier's Aid Association, 

its' formation, 578. 
Cameron, Secretary, praises the Fifth Regi- 
ment, 178. 
Campbell's Station, battle of, 329, 379. 
Canaan, To, a poem, 614, 615. 
Cane River, battle of, 345, 392. 
Cape Cod, memories of the soldiers of, 649. 
" Carleton," of" Boston Journal," 621. 
Carney, Andrew, aid to Irish volunteers, 569. 
Carney, President of the Bank of Mutual 
Redemption, reply to Gen. Butler, 104. 
Carney, Sergeant, account of, 454, 455. 
Carpenter's Hall, inscription in, 17. 
Can-, A. S., 589. 
Carrion Crow, fistht at, 501. 
Carruth, Lieut.-Col., 372, 373. 
Carson, Robert R., 589, 590. 
Carver, Capt., 603. 
Cass, Col. Thomas, 198. 
Catlett's Station, battle of, 272. 
Cavalry, Frontier. See Frontier Cavahy. 
Cavalry, the Massachusetts, remarks about, 
486. 
First Battalion of frontier. See Frontier. 
First Regiment of, 487, 488. 
Col. R. Williams, 487. 
list of officers, 487. 

battles of James Island, Pocatoglio, Kel- 

ley's Ford, Rapidan Station, Stevens- 

biarg, Gettysburg, and others, 487, 488. 

transfeiTcd "to Gen. Averill's brigade, 

487. 
with Major- Gen. Fitz-John Porter's 

corps, 487. 
in Florida expeditions, 487. 
destroys railroad-bridges on the Rappa- 
hannock, 487. 
raiding with Stoneman, 487. 
mustered out. 488. 
Second Re<iiment, 488-491. 
list of officers, 488. 
reconnoitring and expeditions, 488. 
capture of the rebel fortifications at 

South Anna River, 488. 
White-house Expedition. 488. . 
Guerilla Jlosby, 488, 489. 
Potomac p.atroled by, 488. 
Stuart's cavalry followed by, 488. 
skirmish at Blue-ridge Mountains, 489. 
capture and execution of William E. 

Ormsby, 489. 
detachment of, overpowered bv the reb- 
els, 489. 



672 



INDEX. 



Cavalry, continued. 
Second Regiment, successful expeditions, 
489. 

skirmishes, &c., 488. 

battle of Round-top Mountain, 489. 
" " Cedar Creek, 489. 

death of Col. Lowell, 489, 490. 

Lieut.-Col. Crowninsliield takes com- 
mand of, 490. 

Death of Capt. Smith, 490. 

Capt. Alvord \\Tites of Col. Lowell, 490. 

pursuit of rebels, &c., 490. 

expedition under Sheridan, 490. 

engagements on the White-oak Road, 
490, 491. 

battle at Five Forks, 491. 

Abraham Lincoln's telegram, 491. 

routing the enemy near Burkesville, 491. 

pursuing Lee's army, &c., 491. 

march to Washington through Rich- 
mond, 491. 

discharged, 491. 
Third Regiment, 491-494. 

changed from Forty-first Regiment, 491. 

list of officers, 491. 

sickness at Port Hudson, 491. 

fired upon by guerillas, 491. 

organized as a part of the Fourth Cav- 
alry Brigade, 492. 

battle at Henderson's Hill, 492. 
" " Sabine Cross-roads, 492. 

skirmishes and battles, 492. 

battle at Muddy Run, 492. 

" " near Yellow Bayou, 492. 
" " Opequan, 493. 
" " Fisher's Hill, 493. 
" " Cedar Creek, 493. 

return home, 494. 

battles inscribed on its regimental colors, 
494. 

See Forty-first Regiment. 
Fourth Regiment, 494-497. 

origin of, 494. 

Col. A. A. Rand, 494. 

list of officers, 494. 

positions of, 495. 

battle of High Bridge, 496. 

Col. Washburn and Gen. Read, 496. 

courier-guard duty in Richmond after 
Lee's surrender, 497. 

mustered out, 497. 
Fifth Regiment, 497, 498. 

colored men, 497. 

list of officers, 497 . 

assigned to command of Gen. E. W. 
Hinks, 497. 

engagement at Bailor's Farm, 497. 

Col. Chambei'lain assumes command, 
498. 

mustered out, 498. 
Cedar Creek, battle of, 313, 340, 341, 368, 

369, 393, 489, 493. 
Cedar Mountain, battle of, 162, 163. 
Cemetery, National, 60, 61, 645, 646. 
Centreville, retreat to, 451. 
Chamberlain, Col., 498. 
Chamberlain, Dr., 586. 
Chambers, Lieut.-Col. John G. See Twenty- 
third Regiment. 
Chancellorsville, battle of, 153, 200, 210, 238, 
250, 287, 351, 358, 499, 500. 

evidences of neglect on the field of, 156. 



Chandler, Major, of the First Regiment 

Massachusetts Volunteers, 146. 
Chantilly, battle of, 152, 261, 277, 321, 521. 
Character of the troops, 535-537. 

Charities, 567, 583, 590, 591. 
in 1865, 595. 
See names of places. 

Charleston, advance upon, 457. 

closing of the harbor by the Stone 

Fleet, 557, 558. 
capture of rebels at, 366. 

Chase, Secretary, praises Fifth Regiment, 
178. 

Chattanooga, battle of, 360, 361, 363. 

Chelsea, 583. 

Chicago Fair, contributions towards, 580. 

Chickahominy, battle of, 199. 

Chickering & Sons, 580. 

Chickering, Col. T. E., 443. 

Child, L. M., concerning Brig.-Gen. C. Dev- 
ens, 226, 227. 

Childs, William C, on furnishing reading, 
573. 

China, Mr. Burlingame ambassador to, 85, 86. 

Christian Commission aided by the clergy 
and churches, 597. 
contributions to, 576. 

" Christian Examiner," the, 621. 

Churches, 596-603. 

Clark, Col. George, resigns, 208. 

Clark, Col. W. S., facts concerning, 276, 277, 
280. 

Clark, Rev. E. W., services of, 427. 

Clarke, Col. F. N., address on the presenta- 
tion of the battle-flags, 655. 

Clarke, Professor, of Amherst College, 606. 

Clement, Lieut., placed under arrest, and dis- 
missed, 475. 

Clergy, 596-603. 

Cliflbrd, John H., remarks upon Edward 
Everett, 60. 

Clinton Plains, battle of, 338. 

Coast-guard, proposal to raise, 105. 

Cobb, Edward, Quartermaster, 556. 

Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, resigna- 
tion of, 89. 

Codman, Col. C. R., letters, 419, 420. 

Cogswell, Col., 164. 

Cold Harbor, battle of, 282, 297, 307, 319, 323, 
374, 386, 404, 467, 479, 532. 

Colleges, 604-606. 

Colored soldiers, remarks about, 449, 450. 

Companies. See unattached companies. 

Compromise of 1850, 14. 

Conciliatory measures used by Massachu- 
setts, 99. 

Congregational Ministry of Massachusetts, 
General Association of the, in sympa- 
thy with the President, 600, 601. 

" Congregationalist," the, 621. 

Congress, Massachusetts representatives in, 
64-79. 

Congressmen of Massachusetts, 15, 16. 

Connecticut, First Regiment, Infantry, 585. 

" Constitution " frigate, 127, 128. 

Contributions. See names of societies, cities, 
&c. 

Cook, Capt., 520, 521. 

Cook's Battery, Major Asa F., 115. 
list of officers, 124. 
enters Baltimore May 13, 1861, 131. 
ordered to join the Fifth Regiment, 122. 



INDEX. 



673 



Coolidge, Mr., his activity in furnishing read- 
ing for the army, 573. 
Corps d'Afrique, 4-^7. 
Couch, Col. Darius Nash, 193. 

Major-Gen., addresses at the presenta- 
tion of the battle-fliigs, 655, 656. 
at dedication of the ^lational Cemetery 
at Gettsyburg, 645. 
" Courier," the Boston, 622. 
Cowdin, CoL R., facfts relating to, 145-150. 
bravery of, 148. 
put in command of the first brigade of 

Hooker's division, 14'J. 
returns, and retakes command of First 

Regiment, 150. 
appointed brigadier-general, 150. 
Crosby, Judge, his plan of practical sym- 
pathy, 575. 
donation and suggestions of, 567. 
Cross-roads See Baltimore. 
Cudworth, Rev. W. II., 603. 
" Cumberland," the, a poem, 616, 617. 
Curtis, Corpora], takes possession of enemy's 

gun?!, 476. 
Dahlgren, Capt., 359. 
Dale, Sm-geon-Gen. William, 588, 589, 592, 

593. 
Dalton, Dr. John C, 594, 595. 
Dalton, Lieut.-Col. J. A., 401. 
Darling, Fort, battle of, 296. 
Davis, Col. P. S., death of, 398. 
Dawes, Henry L., sketch of, 78. 
Day, Col. J. M., 591. 
Davis, Rear- Admiral C. H., 550. 

sketch of, 552-554. 
Davi.s, Acting Ensign G. T., 556. 
DeVecchi's (Caftt.) Battery, 541. See also 

Ninth Light Battery." 
Dead, the heroic, and national portrait-gal- 
lerv, 623. 
fallen heroes, 629-644. 
memorials of the, 645-650. 
Deep Bottom, battle of, 324. 
Demond, Charles, 572. 
Dennis, Commodore John, 556. 
Depeyster, Richard, 416. 
Devens, Brig.-Gen. Charles, sketch of, 220- 
229. 
letter relating to the Fortieth Jlassachu- 
setts Regiment, 404. 
Devereux, Capt. A. F., extract of a letter 
of, regarding the protecting of " The 
Constitution," 128. 
Dike, Capt., summoned to the field, 108. 
Disbandment, camps for, 539. 
Dix, Miss D. T., 569. 
Dix White-house Expedition, 488. 
Dodd's (Capt. A.) Boston company ordered 

to join Major Devens's rifles, 132. 
Dohcrty,'Major,i., 463. 
Donation Committee. See Otis, Mrs. H. G. 
Dorchester, 583, 649. 
Draft, the, in Massachusetts, 541, 542. 
complaints in regard to, 541, 542. 
importations to meet the, 542. 
Dred Scott decision, 14. 
Drury's Bluft", battle of, 404. 
Dudley, Col. N. A. M., .335. 

assigned to a brigade, 339. 
Duncan, Fort, Eighth Regiment takes pos- 
session of, 191. 
Duncan's Run, engagement at, 480. 
85 



E Pluribus Unum, a poem, 608, 609. 
East Tennessee, 582. 
Eastham, Soldiers' Aid Society of, 649. 
Edwards, Henry, 645. 
Eliot, Thomas 1)., sketch of, 67-75. 
extracts from speeches, 69-74. 
slavery, 68-74. 
Elizabeth City, N.C., fight near, 173. 
Ellis, Rufus, 576. 
Ellsworth, 13. 
Emelie, Capt. Louis, 634. 
Emory, Major-Gen., remarks concerning 

' Fourth Regiment, 177. 
Engineers, First Louisiana, organization of, 

410. 
England, readiness of, to aid the Rebellion, 

80. 
jealousy of, 558. 
Enlisted men, total of, killed, 668. 
" Essex-county Regiment." See Fourteenth 

Regiment. 
Europe, nations of, opinions of the, 80. 
Eustis, Col., account of the battles of the 

Wilderness, 205. 
Evans, Mr., of the Evans House, Boston, 

offers his rooms for the Donation Com- 
mittee, 569. 
Everett, Hon. Edward, 75. 
sketch of, 56-63. 
extracts from speeches, 59-61. 
at dedication of the National Cemetery, 

645. 
remarks upon, 60, 62, 63. 
remarks on a speech of, 582-584. 
Expenses in the war, and character of the 

troops, 535-537. 
Fair Oaks, battle of, 150, 151, 194, 2-30, 257, 

270. 
Fairs. See names of places in which they 

were held. 
Farragut, Admiral, 87, 482. 

passes Fort Hudson, 337. 
Fast, national, 92. 
Fay, Hon. F. B., 649. 
Fellows, Lieut.-Col. J. F., letter giving an 

account of the expedition to Golds- 
borough, 242-244. 
Felton, Mr., noble reply of, to Gen. Butler, 

126. 
Field, C. W., 650. 
Fields, James T., " The Stars and Stripes," 

a poem, 619. 
Fisher, Chaplain, 582. 
Fisher's Hill, engagement at, 312, 340, 367, 

368, 393, 493, 500. 
Fiske, Chaplain, 5S2. 
Five Forks, battle of, 400, 401, 491. 
Flags, battle, 654-657. 

grand procession to bear them to the 

State House, 654. 
placed in the State House, 657. 
poem by Brig.-Gen. Sanj;ent, entitled 

" The 'Return of the Standards," 657, 

658. 
Florida expedition*, 452, 487. 
Floyd, Secretary of War, resignation of, 89. 
Folger, Acting Master James, sketch of. 554. 
Forbes, R. B., proposal of, to raise a coast- 
guard, 105. 
Fox, Gustavus V., sketch of, 550-552. 
Foster, Gen., commands the Third Regiment, 

173. 



674 



INDEX. 



Foster, Gen., note regarding the Fifth Regi- 
ment, 183. 
remark about the Forty-fourth Massa- 
chusetts Regiment, 416. 
France, jealousy of, 658. 

position inVegard to the Rebellion, 80. 
Franklin, engagement at, 518. 
Frazer, Mrs. S. A., knits for the soldiers, 581. 
Fredericksburg, battle of, 152, 200^214, 221, 
238, 249, 271, 278,287,328, 351, 372, 
383, 384, 474, 499, 510. 
Freedmen, the, &e., 15, 582-587. 
Freedmen's Bureau lUll, 41. 
Freedmen's Savings Bank, incorporated by 

J. W. Alvord, 574. 
Freeman, 607. 
French, Chaplain, 603. 
French, Rodney, commander of the Stone 

Fleet, 558. 
Frontier cavalry, first battalion of, 498. 
officers, 498. 
attached to the Twenty-sixth Regiment 

New-York Cavalry, 498. 
mustered out, 498. 
Fuller, Chaplain A. B., 603. 

sketch of, 624, 625. 
Fund for benefit of disabled soldiers and 

their families, 591. 
Funds for the benefit of soldiers, list of com- 
mittee appointed to take charge of, 
570. 
Gaines's Mills, battle of, 199,286, 326, 510. 
Galbraith, Sergeant, 476. 
Galloupe's Island, 587. 
Garrison, W. L., 13. 
Garvin, Assistant Surgeon, 438. 
Gaylord,Rcv. N. M., 603. 
Germania Ford, capture of rebels at, 163, 

164. 
Gettysburg, National Cemetery at, 60, 61. 
aedication of, 645, 646. 
battle of, 154, 155, 165, 166, 200, 204, 
215 216, 222, 223, 233, 238, 239, 265, 
272' 287, 288, 322, 352, 359, 384, 475, 
487, 500, 511, 522. 
Glendale, battle of, 151, 238,258-260. 
Goldsborough, expedition to, 316, 413, 414, 

419- " 
battle of, 173, 180. 181, 293, 294, 30b, 

421, 422. 
Gooding. Col. 0. P., 342. 

assigned to command of a brigade, 6i6, 
344, 346. 
Gordon, Brevet Mnjor-Gen. George H., 15/, 
160, 357. 
made brigadier, 162. 
sketch of^ 564, 565. , , /• 

Goss, Capt. Charles, courage and death ot, 

282. 
Gouch, Daniel W., sketch of, 78, 79. 
Gove, Col. J. A., remarks of Brig.-Gen Til- 
ton upon, 289. 
Grant, Gen., extract from his report of the 
armies of the United States, 496, 407. 
sketch of, 566. 

his visit to the Eastern States and Can- 
ada, 566. 
Gravelly Run, battle of, 354, 400. 
Greene, Col. William B., 225. 
Greenfield, Mass., charities of, 589. 
Griffin, Brig.-Gen. Charles, letter to Brig.- 
Gen. W. S. Tilton, 289. 



Gross, Dr., 586. 

Guerillas, 336, 341. 347, 488, 489,491, 524. 

Guiney, Patrick R., receives command of 

the Ninth Regiment, 198. 
Gum Swamp, successful expedition to, 317. 
Hacker, Col. W. E., sketch of, 640. 
Hale, Charles, 645. 
Hale, Rev. E. E., 649. 
Hall, Rev. E. B., 603. 
Halleck, Gen., statement in regard to cavalry, 

486. 
Hallowell, Col., account of the services of the 
Fifty-fifth Regiment, 455, 456. 
resignation of, 456. 
Hancock's Second Corps, 156. 
Hanks, Rev. H. S., " The Black-valley Rail- 
road," 574. 
Hanover Court House, battle of, 199. 
Harmonic Society, New York, furnishes 

music, 578. 
Harper's Ferry taken by the Thirty-fourth 

Massachusetts Regiment, 365. 
Harris's Farm, engagement at, 479. 
Harrison's Landing, retreat from, 203. 
Harrisonburg, strategy of Col. Wells at, 366. 
Harvard University, 605. 

has in contemplation a ^Memorial Hall, 
647. 
Hatcher's Run, battle of, 354, 369, 399, 400, 
480, 525. 
engagement at, 325. 
Haywa^rd, Dr. George, 594. 
Haywood, Rev. W. W., 648. 
Heavy Artillery, 478-484. 
First Battalion, 484, 485. 
Major Cabot, 484. 
how originally composed, 485. 
garrison-duty, &c., 485. 
mustered out, 485. 
First Regiment, 478-481. 
organized as Fourteenth Regiment of 

infantry, 478. 
changed from infantry, 225. 
list of officers, 478. 
garrisons the forts around Washington, 

478. 
Col. T. R. Tannett takes command, 

478. 
battle of Winchester, 479. 
" at Harris's Farm, 479. 

" North Anna. 479. 
" " Tolopotorav, 479. 
" " Cold Harbor, 479. 
" " Petersburg, 479. 
" " Weldoii Railroad, 480. 
" " Hatcher's Run, 480. 
" " Duncan's Run, 480. 
" near Preble's Farm, 480. 
mustei'cd out, 481. 
Second Ref/ime7it, 481, 482. 
list of officers, 481. 
vellow-fever, 481. ^ 

seizes Confederate stores in North Caro- 
lina, 481. , . -IT- 
garrison and provost-guard duty in V ir- 

ginia, 482. 
part of, transferred to the Seventeenth 

Massachusetts Inf\intry, 482. 
dissatisfaction about the United-States 

bounty. 482. 
Andersonville imprisonment, and its 
eff'ects, 482. 



INDEX. 



675 



Heavy Artillery, continued. 
Third Regiment., 482, 483. 
orifi^in of, 482. 

defences of the city of Washington, 482. 
list of officers, 482." 
Col. Abert, 483. 

notice of Company I in the report of 
Gen. Michie, 483. 
Fourth Regiment. 
how composed, dnty in the defences of 
Washington, list of officers, good 
conduct, 484. 
Heckman, Gen., regret at parting with the 

Third Regiment, 173. 
Hell, Fort, attack on, 466. 
Hempstead, Cajjt., 003. 
Henderson's Hill, battle at, 492. 
Hendrickson, Brig.-Gen., 587. 
Hendricks, Senator, 41. 
"Herald," the Boston, 621. 
Heroes, fallen, 629-644. 
Hicks, Gov., of Maryland, tender of troops to 

prevent a negro insurrection, 131. 
Higginson, George, 576. 
Higii Bridge, battle of, 496. 
Hill, President, of Harvard College, on Gov. 

Andrew, 22. 
Hilton Head, Relief Acrencv, 590. 
Hinks, Brig.-Gen. Y.. W., 87, 88, 591. 
sketch of, 253-255. 
wounded at Glendale, 258. 
" " Antietam, 261. 
supposed death of, 26.3. 
facts relating to, 263, 264. 
commands Fifth Cavalry Regiment, 497. 
reply concerning the first Massachusetts 
man in the war, 102, 103. 
Hoar, Samuel, his mission to Charleston, 14. 
Hodges, Capt. W. T., sketch of, 639. 
Hodges, Lieut.-Col. John, killed, 467. 
Holden, A., 648. 
Holmes, 0. W., 608. 
poems, 613-615. 
Homans, Charles, Company E, Eighth Regi- 
ment, 129. 
Home of discharged soldiers, 570. 
Home Relief Department, 578. 
Homes, Soldiers'. See Hospitals, aho names 

of places. 
Honey Hill, battle of, 453, 457. 
Hooker, Camp, 150. 
Hooker, Major-Gen. Joseph, 152-154. 

sketch of, 560. 
Hooper, Mrs. S. T., 584. 
Hooper, Samuel, sketch of, 77, 78. 
Hopkins, Lieut. E. P., sketch of, 642. 
Hopkinson, 607. 
Hospitals and soldiers' homes, 586, 587. See 

names of places. 
Howe, Col. ¥. P:., 535, 578, 590. 
Howe, Mrs. J. W., " Battle-hymn of the Re- 
public," 618, 619. 
Howe, S. G., 579. 
Howland, Mayor. See New Bedford. 



Hudson, Port, surrender of, 338, 411. 

Imlwden, Gen., 366. 

Indian Ridge, battle of, 443. 

Infantry. ^See Regiments. 

Ingraham, Col. T., 389, 390. 

Irish Bend, battle of, 406. 

Irishmen, Ninth Regiment composed almost 

wholly of, 192. 
Jackson, Gen., victory at New Orleans, 95. 
Jackson, Stonewall, wounded, 153, 154. 

attack on his forces, 164. 
.Tackson, Miss., siege of, 328, 502. 
Jackson's Cross-roads, battle of, 444. 
Jamaica Plain, aid from, 569. 
James Island, expedition to, 451. 

battle of, 487. 
Jan-ett's Station, expedition to, 399. 
Johnson, Fort, Twenty - eighth Regiment 

evacuates, .320. 
Johnson, Lieut. M. L., 556, 557. 
Jones, Col., statement in regard to the Sixth 

Regiment, 115. ^ 

Jefferson, Thomas, extract from report on 

slavery, 12. 
" Joseph Whitney," steamer. Government 

troops on, 95. 
Jourdan, Col., commands the Third Regi- 
ment, which becomes a part of his 
brigade, 173. 
Jourdan, Camp, 174. 
"Journal," the Boston, 621. 
Juvenile offer of military service, 104. 
Kay, Joseph, 584. 
Kearney, Gen., killed at the battle of Chan- 

tilly, 277. 
Kearney Library, 586. 
Kelley's Ford, capture of the enemy's 
redoubts at, by First Massachusetts 
Regiment, 155, 487, 524. 
Kennison!, Acting Master, 555. 
Kettle Run, engagement at, 151. 
Killed at the Ford, a poem, 617, 618. 
Kimball, A. B., 645. 
Kimball, Lieut.-Col., annals of the Fifteenth 

Regiment, 228, 229. 
Kingsburv, Actinj; Master C. C, 556. 
Kinston, battle of, 173, 180, 297, 299, 306, 

414, 416, 419. 
Knight, Mrs. R. J., 576. 
Knoxville, battle of, 280, 329. 
Laberdiersville, battle near, 514. 
Ladd, L. C, sketch of, 135-137. 
Ladd and Whitne.y, dedication of the monu- 
ment to, 645. 
Ladies' Industrial Aid Association, assist- 
ance from, 570. 
Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Association of New- 

buryport. See Newburvport. 
" Lafayette," whaleship, 583. "" 
Lafourche Crossing, battle at, 310, 412, 515. 
Laidley, Col. T. L.' S., United-States Armo- 
ry, Springfield, 544. 
Lander, Brig.-Gen. F. W., sketch of, 629, 680. 

" Yankee Pride," a poem, 619, 630. 
Laurel Hill, attack on, 504. 
Laus Deo, a poem, 612, 613. 



Hovt, Engineer E., sketch of, 555. 
Hudnot's Plantation, battle of, 345, 346. 

Hudson, Port, Expedition, 176, 3.37, 390, 420, j Lawrence. Col. S.' C, 'compliment to Gen 
430, 433, 436, 443. 444, 445. Butler, 129. 

advance against, 343. Lee, Col. F. J., 415, 417, 418. 

assault on, 429, 430, 433, 436, 444, 447, ' Lee, Col. F. L., 591. 

448, 501, 507, 514, 515. | Lee, Col. H. C, address to the Fifth Re^i- 

reconnoissance towards, 428. J ment, 182, 183. ° 



676 



IXDEX. 



Lee, Gen. (rebel), 154, 155. 
pursuit of, 401, 475. 
surrender of. 342, 354, 355, 364. 
cutting-off" of his army at Appomattox 
Court House, 496. 
Lee, Lieut.-Col. Henry, of Gov. Andrew's 

staff, 97. 
Lee, Col. W. R., wounded, 270. 

resigned, 271. 
Lee, Major-Gen. Custis, captured by the 

Thirty-seventh Regiment, 3S8. 
Legislature, Massachusetts, 97, 98. 587. 
Leonard, Col., remarks of, concerning the 

Thirteenth Regiment, 221. 
Lesinsrton, skirmish at. 11. 
Light 'Batteries, 499-535. 
First Battery. 499, 500. 
officers, 499. 

joins the Army of the Potomac, 499. 
battle of Fredericksburg:, 499. 
" " Chancellorsvilie, 499, 500. 
"• " Winchester, 500. 
" " Fisher's Hill, 500. 
" " Gettvsburg, 500. 
" at Salem Church, 500. 
battles of the Wilderness, 500. 
engagement at Sander's House, 500. 
Gen.Sedgewick in his report, 500. 
protects the laving of pontoon-bridges, 

500. 
Major-Gen. P. H. Sheridan honors this 

batterv, 500. 
mustered out, 500. 
Second Battery, 500-503. 
Major Cobb and Capt. Nims, 500. 
list of officers, 501. 
expeditions, Src, 501. 
siege of Vicksburg, 501. 
battle of Baton Rouge, assault on Port 

Hudson, fight at Carrion Crow, 501 
battle of Pleasant Hill, 502. 

" " Sabine Cross-roads, 502. 
guards ammunition-trains, 502. 
services in Southern Mississippi, 502. 
battle at Jackson, 502. 
skirmish near Fort Blakely, 502. 
last cavalrv fisht, 502. 
called also Nims's Battery, 503. 
mustered out, 503. 
Third Battery. 503-505. 
list of officers, 503. 
joins the Army of the Potomac, 503. 
siege of Yorktown. 503. 
takes part in all the principal battles of 

the Peninsular Campaign, 503. 
battle of the Wilderness, 504. 
attack on Laurel Hill, fight at North 
Anna River, at Shady Grove, battles 
of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, 504. 
mustered out, 505. 
Fourth Battery. 505-509. 
list of officers, 505. 
expedition and battle, 505, 506. 
battle of Baton Rouge, 506. 
sickness, 507. 

assault on Port Hudson, 507. 
skirmishing, &c., 507. 
skirmishing at Atchafalaya River, 508. 
siege of Spanish Fort, 508. 
mustered out, 509. 
Fifth Battery, 509-512. 
attached to the Army of the Potomac,509. 



Liglit Batteries, continued. 
Fifth Battery, continued. List of officers, 
509. 
siege of Yorktown. 509. 
battle of Gaines's Mills, 510. 

" " Malvern Hill, 510. 

" " Fredericksburg, 510. 

" " Gettysburg, oil. 

" " Rappahannock Station, 511. 

" " Mine Run, 511. 

" " Petersburg, 511, 512. 

«• " Weldon Railroad, 511. 
Sixth Battery, 512-516. 
list of officers, 512. 
expeditions, 513. 
battle of Baton Rouge, 513. 

" near Laberdiersville, 514. 
takes possession of Brashear City, 514. 
battle of Camp Bisland, 514. 
assault on Port Hudson, 514, 515. 
marches, &c., 515. 
mustered out, 516. 
Seventh Battery. 517-519. 
called " The Richardson Light Guard," 

list of officers, 517. 
skirmishes, 518. 
engagement at Franklin, 518. 
engagement at Providence Clmrch 

Road. 518. 
expeditions, &c., 519. 
battle of Spanish Fort, 519. 
mustered out, 519. 
Eighth Battery, 520, 521. 
list of officers, 520. 

accident on journey to Washington, 520. 
skirmish near Sulphur Springs, 520. 
battle of Bull Run, 521. 

" " Chantilly, 521. 

" " South Jiountain, 521. 

" " Antietam, 521. 
captures members of Stuart's cavalry, 

521. 
mustered out, 521. 
Ninth Battery, 521-523. 
list of officers, 522. 
battle of Gettysburg, 522. 

" '■• Petersburg, 522. 

" " Weldon Railroad, 522. 
disturbance at Galloupe's Island, 523. 
Tenth Battery. 523-526. 
list of officers, 523. 
Mosby's guerillas, 524. 
engagement near Auburn, 524. 
Miijor-Gen. Birney's praise of, 524. 
battle of Kellev's Ford, 5"24. 

" " Mine"Run, 524. 

" " Hatcher's Run, 525. 
battles of the Wilderness, 525. 
mustered out, 526. 
Eleventh Battery, 526-528. 
list of officers, 526. 
battles of the Wilderness, 526, 528. 
battle of Weldon Railroad, &c., 527. 

'• Petei'sburg, 528. 
mustered out. 528. 
Twelfth Battery, 52^530. 
list of officers, 528. 
expeditions, &c., 528. 
deserters h-om, 529. 
bounties, 529. 
served in the Department of the Gulf, 

&c., 530. 



INDEX. 



^n 



Light Batteries, continued. 
Thirteenth Battery, 530, 531. 

list of officers, 530. 
. Capt. Hamlin's account, 530. 
expeditions, &c., 530. 
skirmish at Carrion Crow, 530. 
Red-river Expedition, 530. 
sickness, 530. 
Fourteenth Battery, 531-533. 
list of officers, 531. 
battle of Fort Stedman, 532. 

" " North Anna, 531. 
battles of the Wilderness, 531-533. 
battles of Tolopotomv, Cold Harbor, and 

Petersburg, 532, 533. 
iDUstered out, 533. 
Fifteenth Battery, 533, 534. 
list of officers, 533. 
deserters, 533. 
expeditions, 533, 534. 
&iege of Blakely, 534. 
mustered out, 534. 
Sixteenth BaUery, 534, 535. 
list of officers, 534. 
garrisons forts, &c., 534. 
marches. &c., 535. 
return home, and mustered out, 535. 
Light Guard, Richardson's, 517. 
Lincoln, Abraham, issues a call for troops to 
serve three years, 144. 
expresses his gratification at the ap- 
pearance of the First Regiment Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteers, and at the 
promptness of the Massachusetts peo- 
ple, 147. 
praise of Fifth Regiment, 178. 
remarks in a letter, 604. 
telegram in regard to battle of Five 

Forks, 491. 
his intei-est in reading furnished to the 

army, 573. 
contribution to Boston National Sailors' 

Fair, 584. 
events immediately succeeding his 

death, 565, 566. 
intimacv with Senator Sumner, 38. 
Lincoln, F. \V., 582. 

sketch and generosity of, 568. 
Literature, general, 621, 622. 
Locke, Lieut. -Col., 434. 
Locust Grove, battle of, 155, 156, 239. 
London, C. F. Adams ambassador to the 

court of St. James, 83. 
Longfellow, H. \V., 580, 608. 

poems, 616-618. 
Longshaw, Assistant Surgeon William, 

killed, 556. 
Lougstreet, Gen., 402. 

attack of, 187. 
Loring, Acting Master B. W., 556. 
Lothrop, Rev ."Dr., remarks upon a work of 

Edward Everett, 57. 
Louisiana, the Thirty-fii-st Regiment in, 347. 

First Regiment of Engineers, 410. 
Lounsbury, Col., 591. 

Lowell, first to form an aid society, &c., 
567, 568. 
measures for comfort, &c., of citizen- 
soldiers, 575. 
originated the first sanitarv fair, 579, 560. 
Lowell, Brig-Gen. C. R., sketch of, 632, 633. 
death of, 489, 490. 



Lowell, James Jackson, 633. 
Lowell, James Russell, 608. 
Lowell, Mrs. C. R., 570. 
Loyalty, incident illustrative of Massachu- 
setts, 87, 88. 
Lynn, aid from, 569. 

charities of, 578, 579. 
Lyons, Lord, 42. 

Macauley, Col., severely wounded, 393. 
Madison University, N.Y., commencement 

poem at, 620', 621. 
Maggi, Col. A. C, 358. 

letter of, concerning Adjutant Mudge, 
361. 
Mahan, Major, narrative of, 201. 
Mahone, Fort, battle of, 375, 473. 
Males, Acting Master W. H., gallantry of, 556. 
Maiden, aid from, 569. 
Malvern Hill, battle of, 139, 203, 238, 286, 

320, 510. 
Manassas Gap, skirmish at, 155, 199, 352. 
Mann, Horace, 13. 
Mannmg. Rev. J. M., 582, 603. 
Mansfield, Gen., praises Fifth Regiment, 178. 
Marblehead, patriotic men of, 103. 
I aid Irom, 569. 

I March, Mrs. A. L., 578. 
I Marshall, Lieut.-Col. G. E., 405. 
j Martin, Capt. Knott, first Mus?achusetts 
I man in the war, 101, 102. 

Martin's Battery. See Third Battery. 
Maryland, apprehended negro insurrectiou 

in, 131. 
Mason, Lieut. E. B., 594. 
Mason. R. M., 592. 
Mason, W. W., 645. 

Massachusetts, account of the early history 
of. See Account. 
Ai-my and Navy Union, 591. 
Baptist Convention, resolves of, 602, 603. 
Bible Society, 570. 
companies, list of the first that left for 

the war, 103. 
conciliatory measures of, 99. 
contributions, &c., 581, 582. 
Legislature, first action of, in regard to 

the Rebellion, 97, 98. 
material support of the Union, 545. 
Medical Commission, members of the 

Board of Examiners, 593, note. 
Sabbath-school Society, 574. 
troops. See Troops. 
Universalist Convention, resolves of, 
601, 602. 
M'Clellan, Gen., victorious legions of, 203. 

advance upon Frederick, 221. 
M'Kim, Capt. W. W., 592. 
M'Laughlin, Col., appointed to command of 
First Regiment Massachusetts Volun- 
teers, 152. 
wounding of Stonewall Jackson, related 
bv, 153, 154. 
M'Rae, "Fort, taken by the Thirty-second 

Massachusetts Regiment, 353. 
M'Rory, the guerilla, 347. 
Meade", Gen.G. G., succeeds Geu. Hooker in 

command, 154. 
Meagher, Gen., remarks concerning the 
Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Regi- 
ment, 327, 328. 
Twenty-ninth Regiment becomes a part 
of his Irish brigade, 32G. 



678 



INDEX. 



Mechanicsville, battle of, 199, 286. 

Medical service, the, 588-595. 

list of statf medical otiicers who have 

been brevetted, 588, 589. 
list of deceased medical ofl&cers, 594, 

note. 
micdical commission, 593, note. 

Memorials of the dead, 645-650. 

Mercer, Dr., services of, 427. 

Merchants of Boston. See Boston. 

Merriam, Lieut.-Col., killed, 241. 

Merrick, L. L., 606. 

■'Merrimack," engagement with, 554, 555. 

Merritt, Lieut.-Col. Henry, killed, 291. 

Messer, Col., 434. 

Methodist-Iipiscopal Church. See New-Eng- 
land Conference of the Methodist- 
Episcopal Church. 

Mexico and United States, Sumner's argu- 
ment against war between, 29, 30. 

Mlchie, Gen., extract from report of, 483. 

Miles, Major-Gen. N. A., sketch of, 561, 
562. 

Military companies, several of them ofifer 
their services to the country, 98, 99. 

Military operations, resume of, 538, 549. 

Militia,' number of, in 1861, 92, 93. 
Gov. Andrew's opinion on, 20, 23. 

Mine Run, battle of, 201, 239, 476, 511, 524. 

" Mississippi," frigate, blown up, 327. 

Monroe, Fortress, defended from attack, 130. 

Montieth, Col., arrested, 320. 

Morris, Lieut., sketch of, 554, 555. 

Morse, Lieut.-Col., 166, 168. 
wounded, 169. 

Morse, Chaplain, 603. 

Morton, Gov. O. P., letter to Col. A. D. Wass, 
470, 471. 

Mosby, the guerilla, 488, 489, 524. 

Motley, John Lothrop, sketch of, 83-85. 

Moultrie, Fort, Major Anderson at, 92. 

Mount-Veruon Fund, 58. 

Muddy Run, battle at, 492. 

Mudge, Adjutant, First Regiment Massachu- 
setts Volunteers, disabled in battle of 
Gettysbura;, 155. 
See Maggi, Col. A. C. 

Mudge, E.R., 587. 

Mudge, Lieut.-Col. C. R., 165. 
killed, 165, 166. 
sketch of, 636,637. 

Naval heroes, 583. 

Naval service of the State, the, 550-558. 

Navy, number of enlisted men in the, 557. 

Neaie, Rev. A. R. See United-States Chris- 
tian Commission. 

Nebraska Bill, 14. 

Needham, Sumner Henry, short sketch of, 
135. 
burial of, 646. 

Negro insurrection in Maryland, 131. 

Nelson's Fann, battle of, 2V0, 326. 

New Bedford, City Guards, 577. 

contributions from Mr. T. P. Allen's 

school, 583. 
in regard to the Boston Riot, 543. 
its patriotism, 576. 

monument in, Mayor Rowland sug- 
gests the propriety of erecting, 648, 
649. 
Soldiers' Aid Society, contributions of, 
577. 



Newbern, attempt of the rebels to repossess, 
422-424. 
battle of, 275, 276, 291, 292, 299, 315. 
losses in, repaired, 539. 

Newburyport, Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Asso- 
ciation of, its charities, 678. 

New-England Conference of the Methodist- 
Episcopal Church, its statements, 
597, 598. 
emigrants to Kansas, 14. 
Freedmeu's Aid Society, its organiza- 
tion, aiid contributions to, 582. 
Society of New- York City, 567, 578. 
Women's Auxiliary Association, 576. 
Soldiers' Relief Association, its special 

work, 578. 
Sons of, 577, 578. 

Newport, Fort Adams, 95. 

Newton, aitl from, 569. 

Eliot-church Sabbath School, 583. 

New York, aid to Savannah, 584. 

New- York City, New-England Society of, its 
operations, 577, 578. 
riot in, 542. 

Second Massachusetts Regiment in, to 
quell riots, 167. 

New- York Agency for Relief, 590. 
army subscription, 582. 

Nichols, "Lieut., gallantry of, 556. 

Nims's Battery. See Second Battery. 

Noble, Isaac B., 472. 

North Anna, battle of, 241, 374, 461, 467, 479, 
504, 531. 

" North- American Review," 622. 

remarks upon Western Sanitary Com- 
mission, 584, 585. 

North (now Springfield) Street Discharged 
Soldiers' Home, 587. 

Northampton, Mass., charities, 579. 

North-eastern boundary, Sumner's defence of 
the American claim to, 29. 

O'Brien, Lieut.-Col., death of, 430. 

O'Connor, Ensign F. A., killed, 556. 

Officers, general, furnished by Massachusetts, 
who survived the war, 559-566. 

Officers and enlisted men, total of killed, 
668. 

Olustee, battle of, 404, 452. 

Opequan, battle of, 393, 493. 

Ormsby, W. E., execution of, 489. 

Otis, ]Vlrs. H. G., originates the donation 
committee, &c., 569, 570. 

" Our God is a Consuming Fire," 610, 611. 

Pahie, 607. 

Palfrey, Lieut.-Col. F. W., severely wound- 
ed, 270, 271. 

Pamunkev, battle of, 241. 

Parker, Col., 350. 

battle of Fredericksburg, 351. 

Parkman, Theodore, sketch of, 642. 

Parsons, Lieut.-Col., buttle of the Wilderness, 
205, 206. 

Patten, Major Henry L., sketch of, 643, 644. 

Patterson, Gen., joins Second Regimei.t 
Massachusetts Volunteers, 160. 

Pawtucket, aid from, 569. 

Peach-tree-Creek battle, 168. 

Pemberton-square United-States Army Hos- 
pital, or Soldiers' Rest, 586, 592. 

Peninsula, campaign of the, 248-252, 503. 

Penned, C, 606. 

" Perley," 621. 



INDEX. 



679 



Petersburg, battle of, 217, 235, 241, 267, 273, 
282, '283, 296, 307, 323, 325, 331-333, 
353, 309, 370, 375, 381, 387, 388, 397, 
404, 459, 462. 464, 467, 479. 504, 511, 
512, 522, 528, 532. 
Phalen, Capt., 170. 
Phelps, Gen., testimony of, 535. 
Philadelphia, aid to Savannali, 584. 

expressions of the lea(h'ng papers of, in 

regard to Massachusetts, 15. 
Agency for Relief, 589, 590. 
Phillips Academy, Audover, 606. 
Phillips, W., 13. 
Piedmont, battle of, 367. 
Pierce, E. L., appeal for the freedmen, 582. 
Pierce, Major-Gen. E. W., succeeds Brig.- 
Gen.' Butler after his promotion, 140. 
letter of, offering troops, 94, 95. 
Pierpont, Rev. John, G08. 

poems, 608, 609. 
Pierson, Col., seriously wounded, 398. 
Pilgrims, the, 33. 
Pittsfield, Mass., charities, 579. 
Plains Store, battle of, 433. 
Pleasant Hill, battle of, 345, 502. 
Plunkett, Major C. T., in command of the 

Forty-ninth Regiment, 433. 
Plymouth, aid from, 569. 
Pocatoglio, battle of, 487. 
Poets, &c., 607-621. 
Pomeroy, Mrs., 587. 

Poplar-grove Church, battle of, 381, 463. 
Poplar-spring Church, battle of, 466. 
Portrait (National) Gallery, 623. 
"Post," the Boston, 622. 
Potomac, Army of the, put in motion, 154. 
Pratt, Capt., ordered to join Sixth Regiment, 

108. 
Preble's Farm, battle near, 480. 
Prescott, Col. George L., killed in the battle 
of Petersburg, 353. 
sketch of, 636. 
Press and general literature, 621, 622. 
Prince, Gen., commands the Third Regiment, 

173. 
Prophecy, 609. 
Protestant-Episcopal Church, extracts from 

addresses of the bishops, 598, 599. 
Providence-church Road, engagement at,518. 
Putnam, W., sketch of, 633. 
Quantrell's guerilla band, 492. 
Quincy, aid from, 569. 
Quincy, Col., 163, 164. 

brevetted brigadier, 164. 
Quint, Rev. A. H., 603, 649. 

his election-sermon, January, 1866, 25, 

26. 
remark upon Adjutant-Gen. Schouler, 

107. 
Massachusetts surgeons, 107. 
Raccoon Ford, rebels silenced at, 476. 
Raih-oad comj»nies offer aid, 569. 
Randall, Acting Master W. P., 555. 
Rapidan, skirmishes along the, 195. 
Rapidan Station, battle of, 487. 
Rappahannock, skirmishes along the, 195. 
Rappahannock Railroad, bridge on the, First 

Regiment of Cavalry destroys, 487. 
Rappahannock Station, battle of, 200, 204, 

250, 264, 288, 352, 385, 511. 
Raymond, Col., remarks on the Twenty- 
third Regiment, 297, 298. 



Revere, Col. P. J., mortally wounded, 272. 

sketch of, 634-636. 
Read, Gen., 496. 

Reading, standard religious, 573, 574. 
Reading, commemoration of her heroic dead, 
647, 648. 
monument to her heroic dead originated 
by Mr. A. Holden, 647, 648. 
Readville United-States Hospital, 586. 
Ream's Station, battle of, 274, 324. 
" Recorder," the Boston, 621. 
Red-river Expedition, 345, 391. 
Regiments, the three-months', 106-143. 
Adjutant-General's report on, 140, 141. 
residences of, 141, 142. 
commissioned, 142. 
See Light Batteries, Ritlemeii. 
Third Refjiment, departure of, 116. 
list of otficeis, 116. 
facts in regard to, 119. 
arrives at Fortress Jlonroe, 124. 
Fourth Rec/iment, departure of, 116. 
list of officers, 116, 117. 
facts in the early history of, 117, 118. 
farewell address' of Gov. Andrew, 118. 
particulars in regard to, 118, 119. 
arrives at Fortress Monroe, 124. 
Fifth Regiment, filling up of the, and de- 
parture, 122. 
list of officers, 123. 
participated in the battle of Manassas, 

141. 
killed and wounded, 141. 
Sixth Regiment, account of the, 110-115. 
list of officers. 111. 
attack upon, at Baltimore, 113-115. 
killed, wounded, and missing in, 113- 

115. 
enters Baltimore, May 13, 1861, 131. 
list and account of the killed, 133-137. 
Boston, sympathy with, 133. 
Massachusetts' reception of the slain. 
Seventh Regiment, companies taken from 
to add to the Fifth, 122. 
Company F disbanded, 122. 
Eighth Reijiment, preparing for departure, 
119, 120. 
departure of, 121, 122. 
Capt. Briggs ordered to join, 116. 
farewell speech of Gov. Andrew, 120. 

" " " Gen. Butler, 120. 

list of officers, 121. 
excitement of, at Philadelphia, 122. 
Gen. Butler's plau for the march of, 125, 

126. 
further events connected with, 126-132. 
frigate " Constitution," 127, 128. 
takes possession of Annapolis, 129-131. 
Regiments, the three-years' and nine- 
months', 144. 
First Regiment, 145-157. 
how composed, 145, 146. 
field and staff, 145. 

departure and destination of, 146, 147. 
Pres. Lincoln expresses his satisfaction 

with, 147. 
celebration of the 4th of July by, 147. 
advance towards South Carolina, 147. 
skirmish of Blackburn's Ford in the 

Bull-run battle, 148, 149. 
Col. Cowdin detached from, and Lieut. :-- 
Col. Wells appointed colonel, 149. 



680 



INDEX. 



Regiments, the three-j'cavs' and nine- 
months', continued. 
First Regiment, continued. Col. Cowdin 
again takes command of, 150. 
drives the rebels from Yorktown and 

Williamsburg, 150. 
ill health of the troops, 150. 
engagement at Fair Oaks, 150, 151. 
battles of Glendale, Malvern Hill, Kettle 
Run, second battle of Bull Run, 
Chantilly, Fredericksburg, 151, 152. 
Lieut.-Col.' 15aldwin takes command of, 

152. 
Col. M'Laughlin takes command of, 152. 
battle of Chancellorsville, 153. 
" " Gettysburg, 154, 155. 
" " Manassas Gap, 155. 
captures the enemy's redoubts at Kel- 
ly's Ford, 155. 
battle of Locust Grove, 155, 156. 
remarks upon, 156, 157. 
return home of, 157. 
speech of Gov. Andrew at reception of, 

157. 
response of Col. McLaughlin, 157. 
Second Regiment, 157-171. 
origin oi', 157-159. 
raising of, 159. 
list of officers of, 159, 160. 
departure of, 100. 
joins Gen. Patterson, 160. 
in camp in winter of 1861-62, 160, 161. 
skiiTnishes, 160, 161. 
battle of Winchester, 161, 162. 
" " Cedar Mountain, 162, 163. 
" " Antietam, 163. 
commendation of, at Stafford Court 

House, 163. 
capture of rebels at Germania Ford by, 

163, 164. 
attack on Jackson's forces, 164. 
engagement at Beverly Ford, 164. 
battle of Gettysburg, 165, 166. 
in city of New York, to keep down 

riots, 167. 
skirmishes, 167-169. 
Peach-tree-Creek battle, 168. 
battle of Atlanta, 168. 
battle of Averysborough, 169. 
return home, i70. 
remarks concerning, 170, 171. 
Third Regiment, 172-175. 
volunteers a second time, 172. 
list of officers, 172. 
departs to Newberu, 172. 
short expeditions, 173. 
fight near Elizabeth City, N.C., 173. 
battles of Kinston, Whitehall, and Golds- 
borough, 173. 
Gen. Heckman's regret at parting 
' with, 173. 

becomes a pai-t of Col. Jourdan's bri- 
gade, 173. 
commendations of Gens. Foster, Prince, 

and Col. Jourdan, -173. 
skirmishes, &c., 174. 
helps to drive the rebels from Wash- 
ington, N.C., 174. 
picket-duty at Deep Gulley, 174. 
return home, 174; remarks, 174, 175. 
Fourth Regiment, 175-177. 
list of officers, 175. 



Regiments, the three-years' and nine- 
months', continued. 
Fourth Regiment, continued. Account of 
the raising of, 175, 176. 
takes part in the first Port-Hudson Ex- 
pedition, 176. 
arduous duties, 176, 177. 
great loss of, 177. 

Major-Gen. Emory's remarks concern- 
ing, 177. 
Fifth Regiment, 178-183. 

Gen. Mansfield's praise of, 178. 
Pres. Lincoln's praise of, 178. 
Sees. Chase and Cameron's praise of, 178. 
Gov. Andrew's praise of, 178. 
battle of Bull Run, 178. 
enlists a second time, 178. 
list of officers, skirmishes, 179. 
Wilmington and Weldon Railroad de- 
stroyed by, 179, 180. 
battles of" Kinston, Whitehall, and 

Goldsborough, 180, 181. 
skirmishes, 181. 
returns to Boston, 182. 
remarks concerning, 182. 
address of Col. H. C. Lee to, 182, 183. 
note of Gen. Foster regarding, 183. 
enlists a third time, 183. 
Sixth Regiment, 1S3-188. See Jones, Col. 
remarks concerning the three-months' 

service of, 183, 184. 
departure of, for the nine-months' ser- 
vice, 184, 185. 
list of officers, 185. 
skirmishes, 186, 187. 
engagement at Blackwater, 187. 
attack of Gen. Longstreet, 187. 
last expedition towards Blackwater, 187. 
record of the Adjutan^-General, 188. 
Seventh Regiment, 193-197. 
list of officers, 193. 
battle of Williamsburg, 194. 
skirmish at Bottom's Bridge, 104. 
battle of Fair Oaks, 194. 
engagement near Seven Pines, 194. 
battle and skirmishes along the Rappa- 
hannock and Rapidan, 195. 
full account of subsequent operations, 
bvCol. Johns, 196, 197. 
Eighth Regiment, 188-192. 
list of officers, 188. 
departure of, 189. 
various duties, 189, 190. 
engagement at Blount's Creek, 190. 
takes possession of Fort Duncan. 191. 
re-enforces the Army of the Potomac, 

and suffers much, 191, 192. 
returns home, 192. 
Ninth Regiment, 198-202. 

Col. Cass killed before Richmond, and 
succeeded by Patrick R. Guiney, 198. 
list of officers,"l98. 
battle of Yorktown, 199. 

" " Hanover Court House, 199. 
" " Mechanicsville, 199. 
" " Gaines's Mills, 199. 
" " Chickahominy, 199. 
« " Malvern Hill, 199. 
engagements at Manassas, 199. 
battle of Antietam, 199. 
" " Botler's Mill, 199. 
" " Fredericksburg, 200. 



INDEX. 



681 



Regiments, the three-years' and nine- 
months', continued. 
Ninth Rtgimeiit, continued. Battle of 
Chancellorsville, 200. 
battle of Gettysburo;, 200. 

" " Wapping Heights, 200. 
" " Rappahannock Station, 200. 
" " Mine Run, 201. 
" " the Wilderness, 201. 
other battles, 201. 
Major Mahan' s narrative, 201. 
return home, 201, 202. 
Tenth Regiment, 202-207. 
list of officers, 202. 
battle of York town, 202. 
" " Williamsburg, 202. 
" at Savage's Station, 202. 
" " Malvern Hill, 203. 
retreat from Harrison's Landing, 203. 
battle at Salem Heights, 204. 
" " Gettysburg, 204. 
" of Rappahannock Station, 204. 
battles of the Wilderness, 205, 206. 
skirmishing, &c., 206. 
return home, 198, 199. 
Eleventh Eegiment, 208-212. 
formation of, 208. 
list of officers, 208. 

at Bull Run, and other movements, 208. 
resignation of Col. Clark, 208. 
Col. Blaisdell takes command, 208. 
Gov. Andrew presents a new State color 

for its bravery at Williamsburg, 209. 
picket^duty and marches, 209. 
gallantry at Chancellorsville; other 

movements, 210. 
battle of the Wilderness, 211. 
return homo of a portion of the regi- 
ment, 211. 
skirmishing and picket-duty, 211. 
Col. Blaisdell's death, 212. 
various movements and discharge, 212. 
Twelfth Regiment, 213-218. 
list of officers, 213. 
death of Col. Fletcher Webster, 213. 
Capt. James L. Bates, commissioned 

colonel, 213. 
heavy losses, 213 ; Fredericksburg, 214. 
an officer's account of the movements 

early in 1863, 215. 
battle of Gettysburg, 215, 216. 
pursues Lee's retreating columns, 216. 
battle of the Wilderness, 217. 
severe service, marching and counter- 
marching, 217. 
extract from Col. Bates's report, 217, 218. 
battle of Petersburg, 217. 
mustered out, 218. 
resume of losses, 218. 
Thirteenth Regiment, 219-225. 
its origin, 219. 
list of officers, 219. 
marches, &c., 219, 220, 223, 224. 
second battle of Bull Run, 220, 221. 
battle of South Mountain, 221. 
" Antietam, 221. 
" Fredericksburg, 221. 
" Gettysburg, 222, 223. 
return home, 225. 
Fourteenth Regiment, 225. 
called the " Essex-county Regiment," 



Regiments, the three-years' and nine- 
months', continued. 
Fourteenth Regiment, continued. Departure 
of, list of officers, garrisons Fort Albany 
and Fort Runyon, changed to the Firsr 
Heavy Artillery, 225. See Heavy Artil- 
lery, First Regiment. 
Fifteenth Reqiment, 226-236. 

sketch of Col. C. Devens, 226-228. 

list of officers, 228. 

battle of Ball's Bluff, 228, 229. 

" " Fair Oaks, 230. 

" " Antietam, 231. 

" " Gettysburg, 233, 234. 

" " the 'iVilderness, 235. 
battle of Petersburg, 235. 
return home, 235. 
Sixteenth Regiment. 237-242. 
origin, anil list of officers, 237. 
Col. Wymau, 237; his death, 238. 
Capt. Lombard's account of the regi- 
ment, 237-241. 
first Union regiment to enter Norfolk, 

Portsmouth, and Suflblk, 237. 
Gen. Hooker compliments the regiment 

and Col. Wyman, 238. 
Capelle, .J. F.,'distinguishes himself, 238. 
battle of Glendale. 238. 

" " Malvern Hill, 238. 

" " Fredericksburg, 238. 

'• " .Chanceilorsville, 238. 

" " Gettysburg, 238,239. 

" " Wapping Heights, 239. 

" " Locust Grove, 239. 

" " Mine Run, 239. 

" " Wilderness, 239, 240. 

" " Spottsylvania, 240. 

" '• North Anna, 241. 

" " Pamunkey, Petersburg, 241. 
Lieut.-Col. Merriam killed, 241. 
mustered out, 241. 
battalion formed, and consolidated with 

the Eleventh, 241. 
Seventeenth Regiment, 242-246. 
origin, and list of officers, 242. 
expedition to Accomac County, 242. 
services at Newbern, 242 et seq. 
Lieut.-Cul. J. F. Fellows's interesting 

letter, giving an account of the expe- 
dition to Goldsborough, 242-244. 
goes to the relief of Washington, N.C., 

244, 245. 
expedition against Weldon, 244. 
other moven>ents, 245. 
mustered out, 245, 246. 
consolidation, and subsequent service, 

246. 
Eighteenth Rer/iment, 247-252. 
list of officers, 247. 
drilling of, &c., 247, 248. 
marches, &c.^ 248, 249. 
second battle of Bull Run, 249. 
battle of Fredericksburg, 249. 

" " Chancellorsville, 250. 

" " Rappahannock Station, 250. 
skirmishing, &c., 251, 252. 
consolidation, 252. 
Nineteenth Regiment, 255-268. 
list of officers, 255. 
battle of Ball's Bluff, 256. 

" " Yorktown, 257. 

" " Fair Oaks, 257. 



682 



INDEX. 



Regiment?, the thi'ee-years' and nine- 
months', continued. 
Nineteenth Regiment, continued. Battle of 

Glendale, 258-260. 
skirmishes, &c., 258. 
battle of Chantillv, 261. 

" " Antietam, 261,262. 

'* " at the Rappahannock, 264. 

" " Gettysburg, 265. 

" " the Wilderness, 266. 

" " Bri'^tow Station, 265. 

" " Robinson's Cross-roads, 265, 
266. 

" " Petersburg, 267. 
furlough of, 266; returns home, 26S. 
Twentieth Regiment, 269-274. 
list of officers, 269. 
battle of Ball's Bluff, 269. 
marches, &c., 270. 
battle of West Point, 270. 

" " Fair Oaks, 270. 

" " Savage's Station, 270. 

" " White-oak Swamp, 270. 

" " Nelson's Farm, 270. 

•' " Antietam, 271. 

" " Fredericksburg, 271. 

" " Gettysburg, 272. 

" " Catlett's Station, 272. 

" " Bristow Station, 272. 

" " the Wilderness, Petersburg, 273. 

" " Ream's Station, 274. 
return home, 274. 
Twenty-Jirst Regiment, 275-284. 
list ot officei-s, 275. 
battle of Roanoke Island, 275. 

" " Newbern, 275, 276. 

" " Bull Run, second, 277. 

" " Chantilly, 277. 

" " Antietam, 278. 

" " Fredericksburg, 278. 

" " Knoxville, 280. 
return home and reception, 280, 281. 
i-e-enlist, 280. 
battle of the Wilderness, 281. 

" " Spottsylvania, 282. 

" " Sandy-grove Road, 282. 

" " Cold 'Harbor, 282. 

" " Petersburg, 282, 283. 
officers and nou-re-enlisted return home, 

283, 284. 
re-enlisted organized with the Thirty- 
sixth Massachusetts, 284. 
Twenty-second Reqiment, 285-289. 
list of officers, 285. 
Col. Wilson resigns his command. Col. 

Gove succeeds, 285. 
battle of Gaines's Mills, 286. 

" " Yorktown, 286. 

" " Mechanicsville, 286. 

" " Malvern Hill, 286. 

" " Antietam, 286. 

" " Fredericksburg, 287. 

" " Chancellorsville, 287. 

" " Gettysburg, 287, 288. 

" " Round Top, 288. 

" " Wapping Heights, 288. 

" " Rapj)ahannock Station, 288. 
return home, 289. 

Brig.-Gen. Griffin's commendatory let- 
ter, 289. 
Twenty-third Regiment, 290-298. 
list of officers, 290. 



Regiments, the three-years' and nine- 
months', continued. 
Twenty-third Regiment, continued. Battle 

of Roanoke Island, 290, 291. 
battle of Newbern, 291, 292. 
Gen. Burnside's compliments, 291. 
battle of Goldsborough, 298, 294. 
destroj's Wilmington Railroad, 294. 
engagement at WiiCOx Bridge, 294, 295. 
attack on Richmond, 295. 
battle of Petersburg, Fort Darling, 296. 

" " Cold Harbor, Kinstou, 297. 
I return home, 297. 

remarks of Col. Ravmond, 297, 298. 
Twenty-fourth Regiment, 298-303. 
list of officers, 298. 
part of the Burnside Expedition, 298. 
battle of Roanoke Island, 298. 

" " Newbern, 299. 

" near Wasliins;ton, N.C., 299. 

" of Kinston, 299. 

"■ " Fort Wagner, 300. 
assault on Fort Suinter, 301. 
skirmishes and battles, 301, 302. 
return home, 302. 
extract from address of Gov. Bullock, 

302, 303. 
Twenty-fifth Regiment, 304-309. 
list of officers, 304. 
battle of Roanoke Island, 305. 

" " Kinston, 306. 

" " Goldsborough, 306. 

" " Cold Harbor, 307. 

" " Petersburg, 307. 

" " Wise's Forks, 308. 
return home, 308. 
Twenty-sixth Regiment, 309-313. 
list of officers, 309. 
duty in New Oi-leans, 310. 
battle at Lafourche Crossing, 310. 
three-fourths of, re-enlist as cavalry, 311. 
marches, &c., 311, 312. 
engagement at Fisher's Hill, 312. 
battle of Cedar Creek, 313. 
return home, 313. 

officeringof the Old Sixth Regiment,313. 
Twenty-seventh Regiment, 314-319. 
list of officers, 3i4. 

known as " The Second Western Regi- 
ment," 314. 
battle of Roanoke Island, 315. 

" " Newbern, 315. 
expedition to Goldsborough, 316. 
attack at Batchekler's Creek, 317. 
successful expedition to Gum Swamp, 

317. 
skirmishes, &c., 318, 319. 
battle of Cold Harbor, 319. 
Twenty-eighth Regiment, 320-325. 
list of officers, 320. 

Col. Montieth placed under an"est, 320. 
evacuates Fort .Johnson, 320. 
second battle of Bull Run, 321. 
battle of Chantillv, 321. 

" " South Mountain, 321. 

" " Antietam, 321. 

" " St. Mary's Heights, 321. 

" " Gettysburg, 322. 
marches. 322. 
skirmishes,&c., 322, 324. 
battle of the Wilderness, 322. 

" " Spottsylvania, 322, 323. 



INDEX. 



683 



Regiment?, the tliree-years' and nine- 
months', continued. _ , » ... 
Tweniii-eiahih Reqlmenl, continued. Battle 
of Cold Harbor, 323. 
battle of Petersburg, 323, 325. 
" " Deep Bottom, 324. 
" " KeamV Station, 324. 
picket-guard and fatigue -duties, 324. 
engagement at Hatcher's Run, 325. 
returns home, 325. 
Twenty-ninth Regiment, 326-334. 
how partly formed, 144, 145. 
oro-anization of, list of officers, 326. 
becomes part of Irish brigade of Gen. 

Meagher, 326. , 

Gen. Meagher writes of, 327, 328. 
battles of Gaines's Mills, Savage's Sta- , 
tion, White-oak Swamp, Nelson s | 
Farm, JIalvern Hill, Autietam, 326. i 
marches. &c., 326. _ 

battle of Fredericksburg, sieges ot j 
Vicksburg, .Jackson, Miss., 328. i 

battle of Blue Springs, 329. 
" " Campbell's Station, 329. 
" " Knoxville, 329. | 

sufferings of, 330. | 

battle ot Petersburg, 331. 

" " Blick's Station, 331, 332. 
skirmishing, 332. 
battle of Petersburg, 332, 333. 
return home, 334. 
remarks about, 334. 
Tliirtieth Ref/iment, 336-442. 
organization, &c., 335. 
list of officers, 335. 
expeditions, &c., 335, 336. 
pursuit of guerillas, 336. 
battle of Baton Rouge, 336, 337. 
disease of, 337. 
battle of Clinton Plains, 338. 
surrender of Port Hudson, 338. 
euf^ao-ement at Rock's Plantation, 338. ^ 
three-fourths of the regiment re-enhst, i 
339 I 

battle of Winchester, 339, 340. 

" " Fisher's Hill, 340. ! 

" " Cedar Creek, 340, 341. 
news of the surrender of Lee's army, 342. | 
Tltirtv-first Regiment, 342-350. 
designated "The Western Bay-State, 

Regiment," 342. 
list of officers, 342. 
advance against Port Hudson, 343. 
battles, &c., 344. 
converted into cavalry, 344. 
battle of Pleasant Hill, 345. 
" " Sabine Cross-roads, 345. 
" " Cane River, 345. 
" " Hudnot's Plantation, 345, 346. 
furlough, 346. 

consolidated to a battalion of five com- 
panies, 346. 
in Louisiana, 347. 
Brig.-Gen. Sherman acknowledges the 

services of, 347, 348. 
skirmishes, 348. 
formed into a brigade with three other 

cavalry regiments, 348. 
fall of Spanish Fort and Blakely, 348,349. 
return home. 349 ; losses, 350. 
Thirty-second Regiment, 350-355. 
orijrin of, 350. 



Regiments, the three-years' and nine- 
months', continued. , -, ■ ^ 
Thirtii-second Ref/iment, continued. Lieut.- 
Col. F. .T. Parker, 350. 
battle of Antictam, 350. 
" " Snicker's Gap, 360. 
" " Fredericksburg, 351. 
" " ChancellorsviUe, 351. 
" " Gettysburg, 352. 
" " Manassas Gap, 3.52. 
retreat to Centreville, 352. 
Bristow Station, 352. _ 
battle of Rappahannock Station, 3o2. 
furlough, 352. 

battles of the Wilderness, 352, 353. 
battle of Petersburg, 353. 
Fort M'Rae taken by, 353. 
sickness, 354. , , „ r,- . 

second battle of Hatcher's Run, 3o4. 
battle of Waverley Run, 3o4. 
skirmishing, 354. 
return home, 355. 
Thirty-third Reqiment, 356-364. __ 
Gen. A. B. Underwood, 356, 35*. 
Col. A. C. Maggi, 358. 
with the Army of the Potomac at tal- 

mouth, 358. 
battle of ChancellorsviUe, 3o8. 
" " Beverly Ford, 358, 359. 
" " Gettysburg, 359. 
" " Chattanooga, 360, 363. 
congratulatory letter of Gen. Howard, 

361. 
letter of Col. Maggi, 362. 
battles and skirmishes, 363. 
evacuation of Savannah by enemy, 364. 
severe skirmishing and fighting, 364. 
return home, 364. ^ 

Thirty-fourth Regiment, 365-3(0. 
list of officers, 365. 

takes possession of Harper's Ferry, 36o. 
capture of rebels at Charlestown, 366. 
strategy of Col. Wells at Harrisonburg, 

366. 
battle of Piedmont, 367. 
suffering of, 367. 
fiaht at Fisher's Hill, 367, 368. 
battle of Cedar Creek, 368, 369. 
skirmishes, marches, &c., 369. 
battle of Hatcher's Run, 369. 

" " Petersburg, 369, 370. 
return homo, 370. 
Thirty-fifth Regiment, 370-376. 
list of officers, 370. 
poorly fitted out, 371. _ 
battle of South Mountain, 371, 67 i. 
" " Antietain, 371, 372. 
» " Fredericksburg, 372. 
skirmishing, 373. 
battle of Spottsylvania, 3.4. 
battles of North Anna, Shady Grove, 

Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, 3(4. 
battle of Weldon Railroad, 374. 
" " Fort Stedman, 375. 
II " " Mahone, 375. 
Petersburg evacuated, 375. 
return home, 376. 
Thirty-sixth Regiment, 377-381. 
Col. Henry Bowman, 377. 
list of officers, 377. 
with the Army of the Potomac, 377. 
marching, siege of Vicksburg, 378. 



684 



INDEX. 



Kegiments, the three-years' and nhie- 
months', continued. 
Thirty-sixth Regiment, continued. Battle 
at Jackson, 378. 
Col. Bowman discharged, 378. 
deaths from fatiguing march, 378. 
battle at Blue Springs, 379. 

" " C;impbeirs Station, 379. 
extreme suflering from hunger, and want 

of clothing, 380. 
battle of the Wilderness, 380. 
" " Spottsj'lvania, 380. 
skirmishing, 380. 
battle of Petersburg, 381. 

" " Poplar-grove Church, 381. 
return home, 381. 
Thirty-seventh Regiment, 382-388. 
Col. 0. Edwards, 382. 
list of officers, 3S2. 

incident on the way to Washington, 382. 
severe sickness, 383. 
battle of Fredericksburg, 383, 384. 
" " Gettysburg, 384. 
" " Rappahannock Station, 385. 
battles of the Wilderness. 385, 386. 
battle of Cold Harbor, 386. 
" " Fort Stevens, 386. 
" " W'inchester, 387. 
" " Petersburg, 387, 388. 
return home, 388. 
Thirty-eighth Regiment, 389-394. 
Col. T. Ingraluira, 389. 
list of officers, 389. 
expedition to Port Hudson, 390. 
battle atBiskmd, &c., 390, 391. 
" of Cane River, 392. 
" " Opequan, 393. 
" " Winchester, 393. 
" " Fisher's Hill, 393. 
" " Cedar Creek, 393. 
return home, 394. 
Thirty-ninth Regiment, 395-401. 
Col. P. S. Davis, 395. 
list of officers, 395. 
guards the Potomac, 395. 
marches, 396. 

battles of the Wilderness, 396, 397. 
" " Petersburg, 397. 
" " Weldon Railroad, 398, 399. 
expedition to JaiTctt's Station, 399. 
battle of Hatcher's Run, 399, 400. 
" " Gravellv Run, 400. 
" " Five Forks, 400, 401. 
pursuit of Gen. Lee, 401. 
return home, 401. 
Fortieth Regiment, 401-406. 
Major Burr Porter, 401. 
list of officers, 401. 
marches, &c., 402. 

battle of Baltimore Cross-roads, 403. 
siege of Fort Sumter, 403. 
on Folly Island, 403. 
battle of Ten-mile Run, 404. 
" " Olustee, Drurv's Bluff, 404. 
" " Cold Harbor, 'Petersburg, 404. 
" " Williamsburg Road, 404. 
enters Richmond, 404. 
return home, 405. 
remarks concerning, 405, 406. 
Forty-Jirst Regiment, 406, 407. 
list of officers, 406. 
expedition to Baton Rouge, 406. 



Regiments, the three-years' and nine- 
mouths', continued. 
Forty-Jirst Regiment, continued. Battle of 
Irish Bend, 406. 
attacked by Texas Cavalry, 407. 
organized as Third Massachusetts Caval- 
ry, 407. See Cavalrj', Third Regiment. 
Forty-second Regiment, 408-413. 
Col. I. S. Burrill, 408. 
list of officers, 408. 
with Gen. Banks's Expedition, 408. 
capture of" The Harriet Lane " by the 

rebels, 409. 
organization of the First Louisiana En- 
gineers, 410. 
surrender of Port Hudson, 411. 
battle of Lafourche Crossing, 412. 
garrison at Brashear City captured by, 
412; mustered out, 413. 
Forty-third Regiment, 413-415. 
known as " The Tiger Regiment," 413. 
origin of, 413. 
list of officers, 413. 
expedition to Goldsborough, 413, 414. 
battle of Kinston, 414. 

" " Wliitehall, 414. 
retreat from Blount's Creek, 414. 
return home, 415. 
Forty-fourth Regiment, 415—418. 
Col. F. H. Lee, 415. 
list of officers, 415. 

expedition from Newbern to Tar- 
borough, 416. 
Gen. Foster's remark, 416. 
fight near Williamston, 416. 
skii-mishes, 416. 
fight at Whitehall, 416. 
" " Kinston, 416. 
" " Whitehall Bridge, 417. 
" " W^ashington, N.C., 417. 
death of Surgeon R. Ware, 417. 
return home, 417. 
Foriy-Jifth Regiment, 418-420. 

known as "The Cadet Regiment," 418. 

Col. C. R. Codmau, 418. 

list of officers, 419. 

letter from Col. Codman, 419, 420. 

expedition to Goldsborough, 419. 

battle of Kinston, 419. 

" " Whitehall, 420. 
skirmishes, &c., 420. 
return home, 420. 
Forty-sixth Regiment, 421-425. 
Col. G. Bowler, 421. 
list of officers, 421. 
expedition to Goldsborough, 421, 422. 
skirmishes, 422. 

attempt of the rebels to repossess New- 
bern, 422-424. 
mustered out, 425. 
Forty-seventh Regiment, 425-427. 
Col. L. B. Marsh, 425. 
list of officers, 425. 
engagements at Thibodeaux, 426. 
marches, &c., 426. 

the colonel recruits a company of colored 
men, which becomes the nucleus of the 
Second Regiment of Engineers, 427. 
in Louisiana, 427. 
services of Drs. Blackmer and Mercer 

and Rev. E. W. Clark, 427. 
return home, deaths, 427. 



INDEX. 



685 



I^cgiments, the three-j-ears' and niiic- 
inonths', continued. 
Forty-eighth Regiment, 427-431. 

origin of, 427. 

dissatisfaction, &c., 428. 

list of officers, 428. 

reconnoissance towards Port Hudson, 
428. 

Commodore Farrasrut, 428. 

battle at Port Hudson, 429, 430. 

death of Lieut.-Col. O'Brien, 430. 

engagement at Bayou Lafourche, 430. 

return home, 431. 
Fcn-ty-ninth Rer/iment, 432-434. 

Cam]) Briggs, 432. 

list of officers, 432. 

Col. W. F. Bartlett, 432. 

provost-guard duty in New York, 432. 

advance acrainst Port Hudson, 433. 

battle of Plains Store, 433. 

Col. Bartlett wounded, 433. 

Lieut.-Col. Sumner wounded, 433. 

Major Plunkett in command of, 433. 

return home, 434. 
Fiftieth Ref/iment, 434-437. 

composed principally of the Seventh 
Massachusetts Regiment, 434. 

Col. jNIesser and Lieut.-Col. Locke, 434. 

list of officers, 434. 
■ unsafety of journey to New Orleans, 435. 

sraall-p'ox, 435. 

expedition to and assault on Port Hud- 
son, 430. 

return home, 437. 
Fifty first Regiment, 437-441. 

Col. Sprague, 437. 

list of officers, 437. 

in North Carolina, 437, 438. 

disease and deaths in, 438. 

in Baltimore, 440. 

joins the Army of the Potomac to inter- 
cept the retreat of Gen. Lee, 440. 

sickness from malaria, and lack of cloth- 
ing, 440, 441. 

return home, 441. 
Fifty-second Regiment, 442-444. 

list of officers, 442. 

embarks for the Department of the Gulf, 
442. 

march to Port Hudson, 443, 444. 

battle of Indian Ridge, 443. 

Col. T. E. Chickering, 443. 

marches, &c., 443. 

assault upon Port Hudson, 444. 

battle of Jackson's Cross-roads, 444. 

losses, and return home, 444. 
Fifty-third Regiment, 444-448. 

"Col. Kimball, 444, 445. 

list of officers, 445. 

expedition to Port Hudson, 445. 

skirmishes, marches, &c., 446, 447. 

battle at Fort Bisland, 446. 

assault at Port Hudson, 447— i48. 

mustered out, 448. 
Fifty fourth Regiment, 449-455. 

camp at Readville, 449. 

remarks about colored soldiers, 449, 450. 

list of officers, 450. 

expedition to James Island, 451. 

assault on Fort Wagner, 451. 

expedition to Florida, 452. 

battle of Olustee, 452. 



Regiments, tne three-years' and nine- 
months', continued. 
Fifty-fourth Regiment, continued. Wages 
o'f. 452, 453. 
battie of Honey Hill, 453. 
Morris Island, guarded by, 453. 
enters Charleston, 454. 
engagement at Boykin's Jlills, 454. 
return home, 454. 
Fifty-fifth Regiment, 455-458. 
list of officers, in Newbern, 455. 
Col. Hallowell's account of the services 

of, 455,456. 
marches, &c., 456. 
resignation of Col. Hallowell, 456. 
advance upon Charleston, 457. 
engagement at Honey Hill, 457. 
return home, 458. 
Fifty-sixth Regiment, 459, 460. 
Col. Charles Griswold, 459. 
list of officers, 459. 
battles of the Wilderness, 459. 
battle of Petersburg, 459, 460. 

" " AVeldon Railroad, 460. 
skirmishes, 460. 
mustered out, 460. 
Fifty-seventh Regiment, 461-463. 
organization of, list of officers, 461. 
battles of the Wilderness, 401. 
battle of Spottsylvania, 461. 
" " North Anna River, 461. 
" " Petersburcf, 461, 462. 
" " Weldon Railroad, 462. 
" " Poplar-gi-ove Church, 463. 
" " Fort Stedman, 463. 
Major J. Doherty, 463. 
consolidated with the Fiftj^-ninth Regi- 
ment, 463. 
mustered out, 463. 
Fifty-eighth Regiment, 464-467. 
list of officers, 464. 
crosses the Rapidan, 464. 
severe battle, 404. 
battle of Petersburg, 464-466. 

" " Poplar-Spring Church, 466. 
attack on Fort Hell, 466. 
mustered out, 466. 
Fifty-ninth Reqiment, 467-469. 
Col. Gould. 467. _ 
list of officers, 467. 
battle of the Wilderness, 467. 
" " Spottsylvania, 467. 
" " North "Anna, 467. 
" " Cold Harbor, 467. 
" " Petersburg, 467. 
" " Wehlon Railroad, 467. 
" " Fort Stedman, 468, 409. 
consolidated with the Fifty-seventh, 409. 
Sixtieth Regiment, 470, 471. 
Col. A. I). Wass, 470, 471. 
list of officers, 470. 

letter of Gov. 0. P. Morton, indicating 
its honorable career, 470, 471. 
Sixty-first Re</iment, 471-474. 
Col. C. F. \Valcott, 471. 
officers, 471. 
picket-duty, &c., 472. 
strengthened by Gen. Benham's engi- 
neer brigade, 472. 
battle at Fort Mahone, 473. 
promotions, &c., 473. 
mustered out, 474. 



686 



INDEX. 



Regiments, the three-years' and nine- 
months', continued. 
Sixty-second Eef/iment, 474. 
imder recruitment at surrender of Gen. 
Lee, and mustered out, 474. 
Regiments, reduction of the number of, 538, 

539. I 

Relief Aijency, 76 Kingston Street, 592. 
Religious Reading. See Reading. 
Representatives in Congress. -See Congress. 
Reno, Gen., mortally wounded, 277. 
" Return of the Standards," the, a poem by 

Brig.-Gen. Sargent, 657, 658. 
Rice, Capt. Edmuncl,'report of operations at 

Glendale, 259, 260. 
Rice, Alexander H., 584, 587. 
sketch of, 75-77. 
extract from a speech, 76, 77. 
Richardson Light Guard, 517. 
Richardson's Brig:Kle, advance against South 

Carolina, 147, 148. 
Richmond, attack on, 295. 
Riflemen, Third Battalion of, list of officers, 
123, 124. 
Capt. A. Dodd's Boston company or- 
dered to join, 132. 
ordered to Fort M'Henry, 138. 
Riots. See names of cities in which they 

occurred. 
Ritchie, Lieut.-Col. H.,97. 
Roanoke-colonv Funds, 582. 
Roanoke Island, battle of, 275, 290, 291, 298, 

305, 315; losses in, 539. 
Robertson's Tavern, battle at, 476. 
Robinson, William, 589, 590. 
Robinson's Cross-roads, battle of, 265, 266. 
Rock, John S., 43, 44. j 

Rock's Plantation, ensragement at, 338. | 

Rodman, Lieut.-Col., killed, 391. , 

Rogers, Major William, 541. 
Roife, Major, killed, 479. 
Roper, Gen., opinion of the battle of High 

Brid2;e, 496. 
Round-top Mountain, battle of, 288, 289. 
Roxburv, 649. 
Russell,' Col. H. S., 193, 591. 
severely wounded, 497. 
Russell, Thomas, 584. 
Russell, Warren D., sketch of, 633. 
Sabbath-school Society. See Massachusetts 

Sabbath-school" Society. 
Sabine Cros^-roads, battle of, 345, 492, 502. 
St. Mary's Heights, 321. 
Salem Church, battle at, 500. 
Salem Heights, battle at, 204. 
Sander's House, engagement at, 500. 
Sandy-grove Road, battle of, 282. 
Sanger, W. P. S., 550. 
Sanitary associations and aid societies, 575- 

581. 
Sanitary Commission, contributions to, 576. 

helped by churches, 597. 
Sanitary fairs. See Boston, Chicago, Lowell. 
Sargent, Brig.-Gen. H. B., 97. 

" The Return of the Standards," a poem, 
657, 658. 
Sargent, Lieut.-Col. L. JL, sketch of, 637. 
Sargent, W. JL, Treasurer of Massachusetts 

Sabbath-school Society, 574. 
Savage's Station, battle at, 202, 270, 326. 
Savannah, aid from Boston, 584. 

evacuation of, by the rebels, 364. 



Savannah Port Bill, 584. 

relief of, speech of Edward Everett, 62. 
Savannah Harbor, closing of, by the Stone 

Fleet, 557, 558. 
Saxton, Major-Gen. Rufus, sketch of, 564. 
Schools, public and private, oft'er money and 

services, 569, 570. 
Schouler, Adjutant-Gen. William, prophecy 
of, 91, '92. 
extract from speech of, 92. 
letter to the Secretary of War, 100. 
sketch of, 106-108. 

order, giving the destination of the 
Third, Fourth, and Sixth Regiments, 
109, 110. 
by order of Gov. Andre^y, Capt. A. 
Dodd's Boston company joins Major 
Devens's Rifles, 132. 
report on the three-months' men, 140, 

141. 
work of, increased, 142. 
order for organization of six regiments 

of infantry, 144. 
record of the Sixth Massachusetts Regi- 
ment, 188. 
extracts from his report upon the pre- 
sentation of the battle-flags at the 
State House, 654-657. 
in regard to recruiting, &c., 540-542. 
visits to the camps of the troops, 535. 
Schwabe, Count L. B., sketch of, 585-587, 

624. 
Scott, Gen. W., his opinion of Henry Wilson, 

50. 
Seamen's Friend Society, its contributions, 

574. 
Secession, sketch of the commencement of, 

89, 90. 
Secessionists, leading, 90. 
Sedgewick, Gen., 500. 

letter to Gov. Andrew concerning the 
battle of Antietam, 263, 264. 
Selfridge, Lieut. T. 0., 555, 556. 
Seven Pines, engagement near, 194. 
Shady-grove Battle, 374, 504. 
Sharpshooters. 
First Company, 474-478. 
Capt. Saunders, 474. 
oflicers, 474. 

attached to command of Gen. Lander, 
then to the Fifteenth Massachusetts, 
474. 
Capt. William Plumer, 474. 
protects the engineers in laying pontoon- 
bridges, 474, 475. 
attack on Fredericksburg, 474. 
protects pickets, &c., 475. 
battle of Gettysburg, 475. 
Lieut. Bicknell, 475. 
pursuit of Gen. Lee, 475. 
Lieut. Clement placed under arrest, 475. 
rebels silenced at Raccoon Ford by, 476. 
battle at Bristow Station, 476. 
" " Brandy Station, 476. 
" " Robertson's Tavern, 476. 
" " Mine Run, 476. 
attached to the Twentieth Massachu- 
setts Regiment, 476. 
mustered out, 476. 
Second Company, 476. 
attached to the Twenty-second Regi- 
ment, 476. 



INDEX. 



687 



Shaw, Col. R. G., sketch of, 633, 634. 
Sheldon, Dr. L. K., 587. 
Sheridan, Major-Gen. P. H., 393, 490, 500. 
sketch of, 559. 

battle of Cedar Creek, 340,341. 
acknowledo-es the services of the Thirty- 
first Massachusetts Regiment, 347, 348. 
remarks about Brig.-Gen. C. R. Lowell, 
633. 
Shipley, Capt. L. D., gallant services of, 341. 
Shurtleff, Capt. N. B., jun., sketch of, 640, 

641. 
Sims, Thomas, the fugitive slave, account 

of, 226, 227. 
Slavery, African, 11-16, 226, 227. 

abolition of, in District of Columbia, 15. 
Gov. Andrew on, 20, 21. 
See Boutwell, Eliot, Sumner, Wilson. 
Sleeper, Jacob, 572. 
Sleeper's (Capt.) Battery, 541. See also 

Tenth Liglit Battery. 
Slidell and Mason case, 42, 43. 
Smith, Albert N., 550. 
Smith, Admiral J., 550. 
Smith, Lieut., of " The Seneca," gallantry 

of, 556. 
Smith, Lieut. J. B., 555. 
Smith's (Israel) baud, 358. 
Snicker's Gap, battle of, 350. 
Soldiers' Aid Society. See Eastham, New 

Bedford. 
Soldiers' Diary, &c., its circulation, 574. 
Soldiers, disabled, fund for the benefit of, 591. 
Soldiers' Memorial Society, the, 649. 
Soldiers' Messenger Corps, the, 592. 
Soldiers' Relief Fund, aid from, 570. 
Soldiers' Rest, the, 579, 586, 592. 
Sons of New England, 577, 578. 
South Anna River, capture of rebel fortifi- 
cations at, 488. 
South Carolina, secession of, 88-90. 
South Mountain, battle of, 213, 221, 371, 

872, 521. 
Spanish Fort, fall of, 348, 349, 508, 519. 
Spottsvlvania, battle of, 240, 282, 374, 380, 

461, 467. 
Sprague, Col. A. B. K., 437. 
Springfield, Soldiers' Rest, 579. 
Springfield, United-States Armory, sum- 
mary of what it has done for the 
war, 544, 545. 
Springfield-street Home. See North Street. 
" Star of the West," steamer, fired upon, 95. 
" Stars and Stripes," the, a poem, 619. 
State House, the work at the, 538. 
State Prison, Charlestown, inmates of, per- 
form extra labor, 509. 
Statesmen in the Rebellion, 17, 63. 
" Stearns, Adjutant," memorial of, its circu- 
lation, 574. 
Stearns, Dr. Johii, 586. 
Stebbins, S. B., 691. 

Stedman, Fort, battle of, 375, 463, 468, 469, 
532. 
'Stevens, E. L., sketch of, 644. 
Stevens, Fort, battle of, 386. 
Stevensburg, battle of, 487. 
Stevenson, Brig.-Gen. T. G., sketch of, 

630-632. 
Stickney, Lieut.-Col., 426. 
Stimson, A. L., 590. 
Stone, Rev. A. L., 603. 
Stone Fleet, account of the, 557, 558. 



Stoneman, First Regiment cf Cavalrv raids 

with, 487. 
Storj-, Joseph, 572, 587. 
Stowe, Rev. Phineas, 587. 
Strong, Brig.-Gen. G. C, sketch of, 625, 626. 
Stuart, Gen. J. E. B., raids of rebel cavalrv 
nnder, 152, 488. 
capture of, 521. 
Sturgis, Russell, jun., 572. 
Sturgiss, Bricj.-Gen. L. D., letter to Col. W. 

S. Clark, 279. 
Sulphur Springs, skirmish near, 520. 
Sumner, Charles, 13, 14. 
on slavery, 12, 30, 44. 
attacked "by Brooks, 14. 
sketch of, 29, 44. 

extracts from his speeches, 30, 31, 33-41. 
annexation of Texas, 30. 
defence of the American claim to the 

north-eastern boundary, 29. 
argument against war upon Mexico, 29, 

30. 
the Pilgrims, 33. 

intimacy with Abraham Lincoln, 38. 
Freedmen's Bureau Bill, 41. 
Slidell and Mason case, 42, 43. 
telegraphic despatch to Gov. Andrew, 
132. 
Sumner, Lieut.-Col. S. B., wounded, 433. 
Sumter, Fort, assault on, 301, 403. 
Major Anderson's removal to, 92. 
surrender of, 99. 
Supplies, &c., 98. 

Surgeons, IMassachusetts, number of, and 
notice of a few, 592-595. See Quint. 
Swasey, Lieut. Charles H., sketch of, 555. 
Tannett, Col. T. R., 478. 
Tarborough, expedition to, 416. 
Taunton, Hospital Aid Society, 579. 
Taylor, Charles A., one of the Baltimore 

killed, 115, 135. 
Taylor, Dick, the rebel general, 349. 
Taylor, Col., 582. 
Ten-mile Run, battle of, 404. 
Texas, annexation of, 30. 
Texas cavalry attack the Forty-first Massa- 
chusetts Regiment, 407. 
" The Harriet Lane," capture of, 409. 
Thibodeaux, engagements at, 426. 
" Tiger Regiment," the. See Forty-third 

Regiment. 
Tilton, Brig.-Gen. W. S., remarks upon Col. 

Gove, 289. 
Tobey, Edward S., 572, 587. 
I Tolopotomv, battle of, 479, 532. 
I Toombs, W. D., 645. 

, Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. E. W., 
! remarks about, 559. 

Townsend, Dr. William, 586, 592. 
Tract Society. See American Tract Society. 
"Transcript," the Boston, 621. 
"Traveller," the Boston, 621. 
Tremlett, Col. H. M., death of, 401. 
Troops, Massachusetts, first call for, 100-105. 

tabular view of the fate of, 6(i8. 
Troops, Massachusetts, character of, 535-537. 

number of, furnished for the war, 544. 
Trumbull, 607. 
" Trumpet," the, 621. 
Tufts, Lieut.-Col. G., 589-591. 
Tufts College, 606. 
Twitchell, Ginery, 587. 
Unattached Companies, 477. 



INDEX. 



Unattached companies, continued. List of 
successive commanders, 477. 
the Second, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, 
Nineteenth, Twenty-first, Twenty- 
fourth, Twenty-fiftfi, Twenty-sixth, 
and Twenty-seventh Companies, 477. 
Underwood, Gen" A. B., sl^etch of, 356-358, 

361-363. 
TTniforra, style of, 104. 
Initarian Church, 599, 600., 
United-States Armory. See Springfield. 
United-States Christian-Commission Associ- 
ation, 571. 
president. Rev. A. R. Neale, 571. 
Boston branch of, 572. 
results of, 571, 572. 
Universalist Convention. See Massachusetts 

Universalist Convention. 
Vassell, 1. S., 589. 
Vicksburg, siege of, 328, 378, 501. 
Volunteers, an act in aid of families of, 571. 
Wagner, Fort, battle at, 300, 451. 
Walcott, Col. C. F., 471, 473. 
Wales, Adjutant, 372. 
Walker, D. S., statement of, 592. 
Walker, Major William A., sketch of, 638, 639. 
Waltham, .aid from, 569. 
Wapping Heights, battle of, 200, 239, 288. 
War, JIassachusetts prepares for, 87, 105. 
Ward, Col., '229, 232. 
Ward, Gen., ordered to prepare for service, 

116. 
Wardwell, Lieut.-Col. D. K., 389. 
Ware, John, 576, 595. 
Ware, Surgeon R., death of, 417. 
Warren, .J. L., 572. 

Warren. Rev. I. P., on furnishingreading, 573. 
Washburn, Col. F., 496. 
Washburn, l-^x-Gov., of Cambridge, sends 
clothing made by the ladies of Cam- 
bridge, 571. 
Washburn, W. B., notice of, 79. 
Washington Agency for Relief, 589, 591. 
Washington liospitals, dinner to soldiers in 

the, 582. 
Washington, N.C., 174. 

battle near, 299, 417.' 
Wass, Col. A. U., 470, 471. 
" Watchman and Reflector," the, 621. 
Waterbury, Sergeant, rebel scout, 472. 
Webster, Fletcher, proposes to raise a new 
regiment, 568, 569. 
sketch of, 628 ; death of, 213. 
Weldon Railroad, battle at, 398, 399, 460, 

462, 467, 480, 504, 511, 522, 527. 
Wells, Brig.-Gen. G. D., 365, 368, 369. 
sketch of, 627. 
character of, 146. 

appointed to command of First Regi- 
ment Massachusetts Volunteers, 149. 
becomes again lieutenant-colonel, 150. 
West Point, battle of, 270. 
Western Sanitary Commission, 584, 585. 

contributions to, 5S1. 
Weston, Soldiers; Home, 587. 
Wetherell, Lieut.-Col. J. N., 97. 
Weymouth, aid from, 569. 
Whitehall, fight of, 173, 180, 414, 416, 417, 420. 



White-house Expedition, 488. 
White-oak Road, engagements on, 490, 491. 
White-oak Swamp, battle of, 270, 326. 
Whitney, Addison Otis, short sketch of, 135, 
136. 
dedication of the monument to, 645. 
Whitney, J. M., Assistant Surgeon, 606. 
Whittie'r, John G., 608. 
on Edward Everett, 62. 
poems, 610-613. 
Wigglesworth, Miss Anne, 583. 
Wightman, Mayor, aids the State authori- 
ties, 110." 
Wightman. W. J., 648. 
Wilcox Bridge, engagement at, 294, 295. 
Wild, Col. K A., 370"; 371, 373. 
Wilderness, battles of the, 201, 205, 206,211, 
217, 239, 240, 266, 273, 281, 322, 352, 
353, 380, 385, 386, 396, 397, 459, 401, 
467, 500, 504, 525, 528, 531, 533. 
Williams, Hon. Mr., of Pennsylvania, extract 
from speech of, on the Massachusetts 
reception of the Baltimore slain, 137, 
138. 
Williams, Mrs. J. M. S., 578. 
Williams College, 605, 606. 

monument to the memory of the sons of, 

647. 
memories of the heroic dead at the com- 
mencement of, 647. 
Williamsburg, battle of, 150, 194, 202, 209,404. 
Williamston, fight near, 416. 
Wilmington and Weldon Railroad destroyed, 

179, 180. 
Wilmot Proviso, 46. 
Wilson, Henry B., 285. 

telegram" from, asking for troops from 

Massachusetts, 100. 
sketch of, 35-56. 
Gen. Scott's opinion of, 50. 
attack on Sumner by Brooks, 48. 
slavery, 45-48, 54-56. 
Winchester, battle of, 161, 162, 339, 340, 387, 

393, 479, 500. 
Winslow, Capt. John A.,of " The Kearsage," 

556. 
Winthrop, Major, account of the march of 
the Eighth Regiment to Washington, 
129, 130. 
Winthrop, Robert C, 75, 586. 
Wise's Forks, battle at, 308. 
Women's Auxiliary Association, 576. 
Women's Auxiliary Committee, New York, 

ministrations of, 578. 
Wool, Major-Gen., arms furnished by, 100. 
Worcester, 649. 

Dale United-States Hospital, 586, 587. 
Worden, Capt., 584. 
Wyman, Col. P. F., 237. 

complimented by Gen. Hooker, 238. 
death of, 238. 
■' Yankee Pride," a poem, 619, 620. 
Yellow Bayou, Ijattle near, 492. 
Yellow-fever, 481. 
Yorktown, siege of, 150, 199, 202, 257, 286, 

503, 509. 
I Young Ladies' Circle, 578. 
" Zion's Herald," 621. 



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